KENNETH HYDAK
Experienced New Product Development Engineering Manager
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Results-driven engineering leader specializing in New Product Development for consumer products and small appliances. Experienced in guiding technical direction and project management to introduce innovative products in competitive markets. Successfully launched products for brands like Dirt Devil, Hoover, VAX, Rubbermaid, Staples, and Oasis. My approach combines a systematic NPD process, customer-focused innovation, and cost control without compromising quality. I excel in leadership and collaboration, driving business success with internal teams, suppliers, and partners.
- A total of 13 years of overseas experience in China, leading New Product Development within both global corporation and domestic Chinese OEM manufacturing environments
- Proven leadership in engineering teams developing consumer products for global markets, including North America, EMEA, and ANZ.
- Expertise in transferring products and manufacturing across regions (US to Mexico, China to Vietnam) while establishing and developing new suppliers.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Sr. Principal Engineer
Techtronic Industries - TTI Floor Care
Charlotte, NC
06.2021 - 02.2025
- Project Leader for ground-up US-designed, China-manufactured NPD projects for residential floor care: Upright Vacuum, Carpet Washer, & Steam Cleaner
- Led cross-functional teams across the US and Asia through the company's stage-gate NPD process using Planview Portfolios software
- Served as the primary liaison between US business teams, in-house Asia teams, and OEM suppliers in managing the project
- Conducted on-site work in China to oversee the Engineering Build process, driving issues to closure documented in PlanView ProjectPlace software
- Developed and managed program schedules and project budgets, providing regular progress reports to company leadership
- Created product cost estimates during the feasibility phase for business case reviews
- Provided technical feedback to Marketing and Product Management to develop specification documents and project quote packs
- Managed projects from development through mass production, retail launch, and six months post-launch to address manufacturing or early consumer issues before PLS team handover
Engineering Director
Techtronic Industries - TTI Floor Care
Charlotte, NC
05.2018 - 05.2021
- Managed a team of five engineers overseeing PLS Life Cycle and VAVE activities across all company product categories (Wet & Dry Machines, and Formulas) and all Floor Care brands
- Led a team of five engineers handling NPD projects and PLS/VAVE activities for all Corded Dry cleaner products under Dirt Devil and Hoover brands, delivering 10 new programs within 18 months
- Directed team initiatives that achieved $1.2M in annual cost savings for Asia-sourced products and facilitated VAVE events at a US manufacturing facility to drive domestic cost reduction efforts
- Oversaw engineering reviews for Walmart product compliance on new model listings
- Led efforts to qualify and approve alternative plastic resins, mitigating supply chain disruptions and preventing product line shutdowns
- Served on the technical interview panel for hiring within Engineering and Product Management departments
Sr. Engineering Manager
Techtronic Industries - TTI Floor Care
Suzhou, China
08.2013 - 04.2018
- Managed team of local NPD/Project Engineers responsible for new product implementation in Corded Dry Vacuum Cleaner product category for US/Canada, EMEA, and ANZ markets
- Coordinated NPD project management between US and UK Marketing teams and cross-functional teams in China factories
- Defined project budgets and NPD schedules while optimizing manpower resources to align with the company's global development roadmap ensuring successful product launches
- Led Asia-based engineering team to ensure compliance with the 2014 and 2017 European Energy Saving regulations
- Trained local staff to enhance their ability to monitor production processes and resolve technical and quality issues during new product start-ups
Engineering Manager
Techtronic Industries - TTI Floor Care
Dongguan, China
06.2007 - 07.2013
- Developed specifications for the company's first in-house manufacturing line for refrigerated water and beverage dispensers, implementing new test procedures and quality inspection standards
- Led Asia-based product development for three ground-up products, launching a new brand of cordless outdoor recreational equipment
- Drove Asia product development for the company's entry into the steam cleaner and air purifier markets, collaborating with Sourcing to identify and qualify OEM suppliers with the required technical capabilities
Sourcing Engineer
Tri Palm International
Shenzhen, China
07.2005 - 05.2007
- Evaluated and qualified the technical capabilities of potential suppliers while implementing US engineering and quality standards with Chinese vendors
- Managed the design, scheduling, and production of plastic and metal tooling to ensure compliance with US design requirements
- Implemented a PPAP system for components shipped to US and Mexico final assembly plants, ensuring consistency and quality in manufacturing
Sr. Design Engineer
Tri Palm International
Monterrey, Mexico
08.2004 - 06.2005
- Managed US-to-Mexico product transfers, addressing startup challenges and qualified local suppliers for injection molding and metal stamping
Sr. Design Engineer
Oasis Corporation
Columbus, OH
07.1994 - 07.2004
- Project leader and mechanical designer for ground-up NPD, PLS, and VAVE of refrigerated water and beverage dispensers manufactured in company's US, Ireland, and Poland facilities
Sr. Design Consultant
Chaney Associates
Westerville, OH
05.1990 - 06.1994
- Developed consumer products in small appliance, sporting goods/outdoors, and medical categories through product brief, concept design, mechanical design, and tooling phases
Contract Designer
GE Plastics - Automotive
Southfield, MI
06.1989 - 04.1990
- Developed automotive subsystem concepts showcasing advanced plastic material applications
Education
Bachelor of Science - Product Design
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 09.1985 - 06.1989
Skills
New Product Development
undefinedTimeline
Sr. Principal Engineer
Techtronic Industries - TTI Floor Care
06.2021 - 02.2025
Engineering Director
Techtronic Industries - TTI Floor Care
05.2018 - 05.2021
Sr. Engineering Manager
Techtronic Industries - TTI Floor Care
08.2013 - 04.2018
Engineering Manager
Techtronic Industries - TTI Floor Care
06.2007 - 07.2013
Sourcing Engineer
Tri Palm International
07.2005 - 05.2007
Sr. Design Engineer
Tri Palm International
08.2004 - 06.2005
Sr. Design Engineer
Oasis Corporation
07.1994 - 07.2004
Sr. Design Consultant
Chaney Associates
05.1990 - 06.1994
Contract Designer
GE Plastics - Automotive
06.1989 - 04.1990
Bachelor of Science - Product Design
Ohio State University
09.1985 - 06.1989
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