Research and Development Engineer

Job Summary:

Responsible for the design of new products starting with an idea, researching different alternatives, completing the design and building a functional piece of equipment related to pneumatics and pneumatic conveying.  Utilize practical designs, considering functionality and cost.  Act as in-house resource for the engineering and service departments concerning customer equipment and problems. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1.       Work with company owners to set research and development priorities and budgets.

2.       Research, design, and collaborate on building new equipment.

3.       Design equipment considering functionality and cost. Complete projects within deadlines.

4.       Communicate project information effectively with engineers, service personnel, vendors, and sales representatives.  Keep senior management informed of project status and research and development activities.

5.       Conduct testing of new equipment.

6.       Revise designs and oversee revisions to standard drawings and bills of material.

7.       Communicate design specifications/procedures to shop and field assembly.

8.       Create maintenance manuals and videos for new equipment.

9.       Support engineering and service departments in solving problems related to equipment operation at customer site.

10.   Keep foreign and remote offices informed of new designs and product changes.

11.   Evaluate equipment component quality and functionality.  Evaluate and recommend component brand or fabricator.

12.   Initiate preliminary patent research and submit patent information to supervisor and patent attorney for review and further action.

13.   Participates in continual quality improvement of department work activities.

14.   Complies with company safety regulations.

15.   Support test room and test room personnel.

16.   Completes other assignments and special projects as requested.

 

Job Requirements:

Education

·          Minimum 2 years technical training in engineering and strength of materials

·          OR B.S. Degree in Engineering

·          OR equivalent experience

·          250 hours of machine shop class

·          Welding training or experience

·          Ongoing training through classroom and trade shows to stay current on equipment and technology.

 

Experience

·          Minimum of 5 years in Research and Development Engineering in related field.

 

 

Knowledge

·          Sound knowledge of engineering theory and design criteria.

·          Knowledge of mechanical engineering, metal fabrication, construction, design, and drafting/CADD.

·          Applications/operations of math including: algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics.

 

Skills and Abilities

·          Ability to read, comprehend and follow complicated instructions.

·          Demonstrated creativity and ingenuity in applying engineering principles and practices.

·          Electrical and mechanical aptitude

·          Ability to estimate project costs

·          Basic computer skills.

·          Effective verbal and written business communications.

·          Ability to combine, evaluate, and reason with information and data to make decisions and solve problems.

·          Ability to effectively organize project information.

·          Ability to work effectively and tactfully with others.

·          Good judgment to maintain confidentiality of company and customer information. Equipment To Be Used:

Personal Computer

 Mental, Physical, and Sensory Demands:

Mental Effort

·          Normal periods of concentration required to complete assignments within established deadlines.

·          Ability to combine, evaluate, and reason with information and data to make decisions and solve problems.

·          Self motivation to complete job duties.

·          Ability to adapt to change.

·          Ability to work effectively with others.

 

Physical Requirements

·          May encounter standing, walking, climbing, pushing, pulling, crawling, bending, twisting, reaching/stretching, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.

·          Must be able to travel.

 

Sensory Abilities

·          Routinely sees, speaks, hears, and listens.

 Work Environment

Work may be performed in a standard office setting or shop/test lab setting.  Air quality and noise levels in the office setting are within normal limits. Air quality and noise may occasionally be above normal limits in the shop and test lab.  Eye, hearing, and safety protection are required in the shop and test lab.  Exposure to excessive noise, dust, humidity, and fumes may occur during equipment testing.  May be required to work more hours than normally expected during a regular work week depending on workload and deadline requirements.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M / F / D / V