Technology Research Manager

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.
We’re looking for a Technology Research Manager to join our R&D Center in San Sebastian, Spain, and lead global research and innovation initiatives within our Industrial Circuit Protection (ICP) business.
In this role, you’ll help shape Littelfuse’s technology roadmap - identifying new opportunities, building strategic partnerships, managing innovation projects, and making sure promising ideas can move from the lab into real manufacturing.
What you’ll do

• Lead and organize the global research and technology development portfolio for ICP, covering new products, processes, materials and technologies.
• Identify emerging technologies and market trends and translate research findings into practical applications and new product opportunities.
• Manage innovation projects from idea and proof-of-concept through development, technology transfer and implementation.
• Work closely with R&D and Product Development teams when new technologies require deeper research or technical analysis.
• Build and manage a global network of universities, technology centers, suppliers, customers and strategic partners.
• Establish and continuously improve the innovation process, including project selection, milestones, stage-gates, resources, budgets and reporting.
• Identify and lead applications for regional, Spanish and European research grants and funding opportunities.
• Work with the relevant teams to identify intellectual property opportunities and ensure research activities consider existing patents.
• Support the development of the Prototype and Lab Test Centers, including future equipment and capability needs.
• Lead and develop the research team, building the right expertise both internally and through external partnerships.

What you’ll bring

• PhD in Engineering, particularly in areas such as materials science, welding, fuseology or electrical protection systems.
• Experience in research, innovation, technology development or a related technical environment.
• Electrical or Electronic Engineering background is an advantage, but not mandatory.
• Strong experience in innovation project management, ideally within an international organization.
• Good understanding of product development cycles, Stage-Gate processes, product standards and testing methods.
• Experience taking technologies from research/prototype stage into industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Strong technical and problem-solving skills, combined with excellent organization and project management abilities.
• Experience working in a global and matrix organization.
• Leadership experience and the ability to build relationships across different functions, cultures and locations.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish.
• Experience with Basque, Spanish or European research funding programs would be a plus.

Littelfuse strives to empower associate growth and development in a culture of ongoing collaboration and respect for diverse global perspectives and expertise.
Our Core Values – We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, We Own The Outcome – support us in our mission to improve the safety, reliability, and performance of our customers’ products that use electrical energy.
We are an equal-opportunity employer that takes pride in giving every associate the means and courage to make a difference – everywhere, every day.
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At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.