Design & Development Engineer

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work collaboratively to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as the unparalleled market leader.

For nearly a century, we have repeatedly modernized and improved rail diagnostics through our relentless pursuit of improvement. Determined is an understatement. We are obsessed with advancing science and raising the bar on what’s possible with our ever-improving suite of products and service offerings.

Emboldened through the shared values of honesty, accountability, passion, integrity, and teamwork, we are driven by the challenge and bridging concepts with fruition. Each technologist entering Sperry imprints themselves into our brand and further galvanizes a culture of innovation and advancement. Allow us to be clear, Thought Leaders are welcome!

We are agile and hungry and invite those with similar passions to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to the market. Fast-paced, high-touch with a distinct sense of purpose. We offer more than a job; we offer an opportunity to be part of something different.

The Design & Development Engineer is a core member of Sperry Rail's Design & Development Engineering group, responsible for the creation, development, and validation of next-generation rail inspection platforms and the systems that power them. Working across new platform development, technology advancement, and engineering change management, this role requires both independent technical execution and strong cross-functional collaboration. Engineers in this group own their work from concept through design release — producing not only functional designs but complete, production-ready technical data packages that meet engineering, production, and maintenance requirements.

This position is suited for an Engineer with demonstrated experience in mechanical systems who is ready to take ownership of projects, drive design decisions, and contribute to the long-term technical direction of the business.

• Design and develop mechanical, electrical, or systems-level hardware for new and existing rail inspection platforms (Hi-Rail, Railbound, Pedestrian/HT, ATSProLite/ATSPro).
• Produce complete technical data packages (TDPs) including 3D CAD models, 2D manufacturing drawings, electrical schematics, BOMs, and interface control documents — suitable for production and maintenance use.
• Apply DFM, DFA, and DFI principles throughout the design process to ensure producibility, ease of assembly, and maintainability.
• Develop and maintain multi-level Bills of Materials in Sage X3 ERP and PDM systems, ensuring accuracy and traceability across design revisions.
• Participate in and lead cross-functional design reviews, incorporating feedback from Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and field operations.
• Own designs through the full development lifecycle, including design reviews, risk identification and mitigation, qualification testing, and design release.

• Lead or support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) efforts for design-related field issues, applying structured problem-solving methodology.
• Evaluate and implement engineering changes driven by field performance data, supplier constraints, obsolescence, or customer requirements.
• Document and communicate design changes clearly and completely, including impact assessments for Production, Maintenance, and the existing fleet.

• Work closely with Production Engineering to ensure smooth transition from design to build, resolving manufacturing and assembly challenges early.
• Coordinate with the Technology/R&D group to incorporate new sensor technology, calibration requirements, and inspection capability improvements into platform designs.
• Follow established development processes including stage-gate reviews,…