JOB DESCRIPTION

The VP, Advanced Research & Product Innovation is a senior engineering and technology leader responsible for shaping and executing Vertiv’s advanced research agenda and driving next-generation innovation across its global portfolio of critical infrastructure solutions. This role sits at the intersection of engineering excellence, disruptive innovation, and long-term technology strategy, ensuring that Vertiv remains a pioneer in future-ready products and systems.

The VP will lead a dedicated advanced research function focused on identifying, validating, and transitioning emerging technologies across power, thermal, control, and mechanical systems. This individual will work cross-functionally with product, engineering, and strategy leaders to bring frontier-stage innovation into Vertiv’s long-range product pipeline and support transformational growth.

This position will be based onsite at Vertiv’s Westerville, OH – HQ office location.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead a multi-year technology and engineering innovation strategy, aligned with Vertiv’s long-term business goals and product vision.
• Build and manage a dedicated Advanced Research & Innovation team, focused on identifying and developing disruptive technologies (TRL 1–5) with potential to reshape future product architectures.
• Drive exploration of emerging engineering domains, including but not limited to: advanced thermal materials, high-efficiency power electronics, intelligent control systems, embedded edge intelligence, novel energy storage, and sustainable design practices.
• Collaborate with product engineering, business unit leaders, and the CTO organization to prioritize research investments that de-risk early technologies and create differentiated customer value.
• Develop and maintain forward-looking technology roadmaps that anticipate shifts in customer needs, market dynamics, and regulatory trends.
• Champion the transition of validated research into scalable platforms and manufacturable solutions through structured handoffs to product development teams.
• Establish engineering technical capability metrics and lead assessments to inform workforce planning, skills development, and succession for critical disciplines.
• Lead risk evaluation frameworks for early-stage innovation initiatives to enable smart, timely go/no-go decisions.
• Cultivate deep external relationships with universities, national labs, startups, research consortia, and government agencies (e.g., DOE, DARPA) to access cutting-edge innovation and non-dilutive funding.
• Serve as Vertiv’s technology thought leader in industry forums, research collaborations, and with key customers—enhancing the company’s position as a forward-thinking partner in mission-critical infrastructure.
• Foster a culture of engineering experimentation, rigorous technical thinking, and applied research, encouraging teams to explore beyond current product constraints.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, or Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline; PhD or MBA is a plus.
• 15+ years of experience in engineering or product innovation leadership roles, including experience in advanced R&D or new technology introduction (NTI).
• Strong record of leading multidisciplinary engineering teams from concept through to technology validation or product integration.
• Demonstrated experience in physical systems engineering—thermal, power, electromechanical, embedded systems, or industrial automation.
• Solid understanding of the product development lifecycle from research through to commercialization.
• Excellent business acumen and ability to link engineering innovation to strategic outcomes and competitive advantage.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills across technical and executive audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with or securing funding from government-sponsored research programs, such as:
• DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)
• DOE (Department of Energy)
• NSF (National Science Foundation)
• Other federal labs, SBIR/STTR programs, or international equivalents
• Background in translational research, technology scouting, or innovation portfolio management.
• Demonstrated success in building public-private research partnerships or consortia.
• Experience with sustainability-focused innovation, such as energy efficiency, decarbonization technologies, or materials circularity.

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development

About Vertiv

Vertiv is a $8.0 billion global critical infrastructure and data center technology company. We ensure customers’ vital applications run continuously by bringing together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services. Our portfolio includes power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 20,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [email protected].