Advanced R&D Engineer

Laitram LLC; Harahan (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram LLC in the United States seeks an Advanced R&D Engineer who blends mechanical design, controls, and electrical systems to drive industrial automation innovations. You will rapidly prototype, test, and refine electromechanical concepts for material handling and automation solutions.

The role emphasizes system integration, hands-on prototyping, and empowering rapid evaluation of new technologies in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience with electromechanical systems and automation.
• Strong mechanical design with 3D CAD proficiency.
• Hands-on experience building and testing prototypes.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and develop technologies related to industrial automation and robotics.
• Translate customer needs into engineering concepts and architectures.
• Develop system-level architectures integrating mechanical, electrical, controls, and software.
• Create mechanical concepts, assemblies, and detailed 3D designs.
• Design and build proof-of-concept systems and prototypes.
• Develop and troubleshoot control architectures interfacing with PLCs and embedded systems.
• Lead experiments to validate concepts, technologies, and performance assumptions.

Skills

Prototype testing

Systems integration

Electrical instincts

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls, Robotics, or related field

Tools

3D CAD

PLC interfacing

Embedded systems

Job description

We are seeking a highly versatile and hands-on Advanced R&D Engineer to help shape the future of industrial automation and material handling solutions. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of mechanical design, controls, electrical systems, and rapid prototyping.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and develop innovative technologies, concepts, and applications related to industrial automation, material handling, sensing, robotics, controls, and adjacent technologies.
• Translate loosely defined opportunities and customer needs into actionable engineering concepts.
• Develop system-level architectures that integrate mechanical, electrical, controls, and software components.
• Create mechanical concepts, assemblies, and detailed designs using 3D CAD tools.
• Design and build proof-of-concept systems and functional prototypes.
• Develop and troubleshoot control architectures for prototype systems, interfacing with PLCs and embedded systems.
• Lead structured experiments to validate concepts, technologies, and performance assumptions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience developing electromechanical systems, automation equipment, robotics, or industrial machinery.
• Strong mechanical design skills with proficiency in 3D CAD software.
• Hands-on experience building and testing prototypes.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, sensors, actuators, control systems, and industrial automation principles.
• Self-directed individual who thrives in a fast-paced, highly ambiguous environment.