Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Department: Research & Development

Employment Type: Full-time, Executive Leadership

Role Overview

The Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) will play a pivotal role in shaping our innovation strategy and driving the development of next-generation smart pet products, IoT solutions, AI-driven devices, and robotics technologies. This leader will oversee a multi-disciplinary, cross-border R&D organisation spanning the U.S. and China, ensuring seamless collaboration and delivering world-class products that delight customers and strengthen our competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities 2. Leadership & Organisational Development 3. Product Development & Lifecycle Management 4. Project & Resource Management 5. Cross-functional & Executive Collaboration

• R&D Strategy & Innovation
• Define and execute a mid-to long-term R&D roadmap aligned with company vision and business objectives.
• Drive innovation in IoT, AI, robotics, and pet health technologies to maintain market leadership.
• Continuously identify and adopt emerging technologies that enhance product differentiation and user experience.
• Build, lead, and inspire a global, cross-functional R&D team across hardware, software, embedded systems, AI, and robotics.
• Establish a culture of innovation, accountability, and high performance.
• Recruit and develop top-tier engineering and R&D talent, fostering the next generation of technology leaders.
• Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept and design through prototyping, validation, manufacturing, and iterative improvements.
• Ensure seamless integration between R&D, industrial design, UX/UI, and product management teams.
• Anticipate and resolve technical challenges, balancing speed, quality, and scalability.
• Manage multiple large-scale R&D programmes simultaneously, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and high-quality deliverables.
• Own R&D budgeting, resource allocation, and cost optimisation strategies.
• Establish and track OKRs, and performance metrics to drive operational excellence.
• Partner closely with product, supply chain, manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing teams to ensure organisational alignment.
• Provide technical insight and recommendations for company-wide strategic decisions.
• Represent R&D in executive meetings, investor discussions, and cross-border strategy planning.

Required

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, AI, or a related technical discipline.
• Native or bilingual proficiency in Mandarin Chinese
• This role requires travel to China approximately once per month.
• 10+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience in smart hardware, IoT, AI, robotics, or consumer electronics, including 3+ years leading teams of 50+ engineers.
• Proven success in taking products from concept to mass production (0→1 innovation and 1→100 scaling).
• Strong technical expertise in embedded systems, connected devices, cloud-enabled platforms, and user-centric hardware solutions.

Preferred

• PhD or international leadership experience in the U.S., Europe, or APAC.
• Previous success launching IoT-enabled consumer electronics at scale.
• Experience integrating AI and robotics technologies into hardware products.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA, manufacturing operations, and global supply chain strategies.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership — Able to define a visionary R&D strategy and align teams globally.
• Technical Depth & Breadth — Hands-on understanding of emerging technologies and their applications.
• Operational Excellence — Proven ability to scale complex cross-border R&D organisations.
• Innovative Mindset — Passion for building disruptive, user-centric products.
• Business Acumen — Skilled in balancing innovation, cost, and speed-to-market.
• Cultural Agility — Comfortable leading diverse, multi-national engineering teams.

Why Join Us

We are redefining pet care and smart living by building connected ecosystems powered by innovation. As VP of R&D, you’ll lead a global team, set the technology vision, and deliver products that impact millions of pet owners worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of smart hardware, IoT, AI, and robotics while driving our next stage of growth.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary Range: $500k USD + equity

• Competitive executive compensation package (base + performance bonus + equity).
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and family benefits.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Flexible work from home options available.