R&D Mechanical Engineer

Our client, a global leader in electrical connection, protection, and infrastructure solutions, is seeking a Staff R&D Mechanical Engineer to join their product development team in Houston, Texas. This organization designs innovative products that help protect critical equipment, facilities, and industrial processes across a wide range of industries worldwide. In this senior-level engineering role, you will lead the development of new products and technologies with a strong emphasis on mechanical design, non-metallic materials, and product innovation.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle, helping drive projects from concept through validation, certification, and commercialization. This position offers the opportunity to influence product strategy, support technology roadmaps, and contribute to a culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Travel:
Up to 10% domestic travel.

As a Staff R&D Mechanical Engineer, you will play a critical role in developing innovative products that support critical electrical infrastructure and industrial applications. This position combines technical leadership, hands‑on engineering, and cross-functional collaboration to bring new products from concept to commercialization. Working closely with global engineering, manufacturing, quality, compliance, and product management teams, you will drive product innovation, validate performance, optimize manufacturability, and help shape future technology strategies that enhance product reliability, quality, and customer value.

Participate in global product development teams, working closely with manufacturing engineering, supply chain, quality, compliance, and product management stakeholders. Lead and support prototype development, testing activities, and external certification efforts, including hands‑on engineering support when necessary. Guide engineering simulations and analyses, including FEA and FMEA, to validate product performance, reliability, and design effectiveness. Define and coordinate validation plans, laboratory testing, and performance evaluations.

Collaborate with internal and external fabrication partners to develop practical, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Design, develop, and improve both new and existing products in alignment with business and product development strategies. Establish engineering best practices and design standards that optimize performance, quality, reliability, manufacturability, and cost. Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to technology development across multiple teams and functions.

Serve as a subject matter expert for product technologies, supporting product portfolio planning and long‑term technology roadmaps. Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a related engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years of mechanical design experience, preferably supporting new product introduction (NPI) and product development initiatives.
• Strong experience working with non-metallic materials and components.
• Demonstrated knowledge of polymer and non-metallic material behavior, including:
  Thermoformed components, Elastomeric seals and gaskets, Fiber-reinforced and