R&d Engineer

Job Title:

R&D Engineer

Job Description

The Research and Development Engineer supports corporate product development initiatives by combining engineering design, analysis, testing, and project coordination. Working under the direction of engineering leadership, this role contributes to the full new product development lifecycle, from early concept and feasibility through prototype validation and handoff to manufacturing and commercial teams. The engineer translates engineering objectives into practical, production-ready solutions and ensures projects are delivered on time, thoroughly documented, and aligned with performance, quality, and cost targets.

Responsibilities

* Lead or support new product development and product improvement efforts from initial concept through final design release.

* Interpret project objectives and develop innovative engineering solutions that meet performance, safety, manufacturability, and cost requirements.

* Perform engineering analysis and calculations to support design decisions and verify design integrity.

* Plan and track project schedules, milestones, and testing activities to ensure steady progress and on-time delivery.

* Define, execute, and evaluate testing and validation plans, including prototype and materials testing.

* Conduct failure analysis and reliability studies, and recommend corrective actions when issues arise.

* Support prototype fabrication and testing, including preparing work orders and coordinating with fabrication or manufacturing teams.

* Recommend and support manufacturing processes, including assistance with tooling, fixtures, and process improvements.

* Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including design records, test data, and technical reports.

* Present technical results, design packages, and recommendations to Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Marketing stakeholders.

* Provide regular project updates and technical communication to management and cross-functional teams.

* Participate in the development of reliability and test procedures, including inspection plans and test matrices.

* Engage in hands-on involvement with prototype builds and test-article assembly as needed in fabrication and test environments.

Essential Skills

* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

* Typically 3+ years of experience in a research and development or product engineering environment, including project coordination or supervision.

* Strong understanding of fabrication principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.

* Proficiency with CAD/solid modeling software (such as industry-standard 3D modeling tools).

* Experience with engineering analysis and testing; familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) is highly beneficial.

* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and numerical skills, including structural calculations and data interpretation.

* Effective written and verbal communication skills for documentation, reporting, and presentations.

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, for reporting and project updates.

* Ability to develop and follow reliability and test procedures, including writing inspection plans and test matrices.

* Comfort working in both office and hands-on fabrication or test environments.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Advanced degrees such as an M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline may be considered in lieu of some direct work experience.

* Experience across the full product development lifecycle, from conceptual design through final validation and release.

* Experience in product development engineering, including engineering design, prototype testing, and new product introduction.

* Experience with engineering design and analysis from conceptual through final design, including calculations and validation activities.

* Exposure to prototype development and testing, including designing prototypes, setting up tests, and evaluating results.

* Knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication methods, including tooling design, fixtures, and process improvement.

* Experience conducting failure analysis, reliability studies, and recommending corrective actions.

* Experience preparing detailed design records, test data, and technical reports for internal and external stakeholders.

* Strong presentation skills for communicating technical content to Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and other teams.

* Hands-on exposure to fabrication shops and test environments, including involvement in prototype builds and test-article assembly.

Work Environment

The role is primarily office-based, with regular work in the fabrication shop and outdoor crash-testing environments. The engineer will have hands-on exposure to testing, including witnessing crash tests in all weather conditions and assisting with test-article assembly as needed. The position is highly…