Lead R&D Engineer - Medium Voltage

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM)

United States

Hybrid

USD 100,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) is looking for a Lead R&D Engineer. This role involves managing a team of engineers in the design and validation of medium voltage power distribution products. You will oversee complex projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards while mentoring staff. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and over 10 years of relevant experience. The position is available in multiple locations, including Franklin (TN), Tualatin (OR), and Jacksonville (FL).

Qualifications

10+ years of experience in R&D or product development within power distribution.
Track record of leading successful engineering projects.
Experience in medium voltage power distribution systems.

Responsibilities

Lead design and validation of new medium voltage power distribution products.
Mentor engineers and designers, providing guidance.
Facilitate communication between design and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Leadership and mentoring

3D SolidWorks modeling

2D AutoCAD drafting

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world‑class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets.

Position Summary

The Lead R&D Engineer is responsible for managing group engineers and leading the design and validation of new medium voltage power distribution products. This role includes performing and overseeing complex projects that require extensive 3D modeling and 2D drafting while ensuring design accuracy and alignment with project requirements. The Lead R&D Engineer facilitates the development of innovative products that meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer needs while optimizing performance, manufacturability, and cost. Additionally, the Lead R&D Engineer directly manages engineers and collaborates with the Engineering Manager to proactively identify and address project and personnel challenges, ensuring successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, analysis, and validation of new medium voltage power distribution products, including metal clad and metal enclosed switchgear, and related components.
Responsible for managing and mentoring engineers and designers, providing career guidance, constructive feedback, tracking project timelines, and ensuring quality and efficiency in deliverables.
Work closely with the Engineering Manager to identify issues quickly and ensure they are addressed in an appropriate and timely manner.
Driving group on-time performance while minimizing design errors for NPI project deliverables.
Leading the development of mechanical designs to meet NPI project-specific requirements.
Conducting peer reviews and providing constructive feedback to team engineers to improve design quality and ensure alignment with project goals.
Mentoring and supervising group engineers and designers to foster team growth and ensure efficient workflow in a collaborative environment.

New Process Implementation (NPI)

Ensure NPI projects comply with customer specifications, industry standards, manufacturability, and internal quality benchmarks.
Track project metrics such as TTM, design errors, and revision cycles to areas for improvement with the engineering manager.

Technical Leadership And Mentorship

Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.
Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, promoting professional growth.
Resolve team conflicts to maintain a productive working environment.
Assist in training team members in best practices for 3D SolidWorks modeling, 2D AutoCAD drafting, and compliance with design standards.
Provide constructive feedback during peer reviews to improve the team's technical output.

Collaboration And Support

Facilitate communication between design and manufacturing teams to align processes.
Establish a feedback loop with manufacturing engineers to optimize designs for manufacturability and to adjust design standards.
Act as a point of contact for technical inquiries for the operations team.
Facilitate communication and collaboration across multiple engineering and manufacturing sites to align expectations and processes.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, MSME is preferred.
10+ years of experience in R&D, product development, or a related field within the power distribution industry.
Demonstrated track record of leading successful engineering projects and developing new technologies.
Experience in medium voltage power distribution systems, including electrical, thermal, and mechanical considerations.
Experience in leadership and mentoring and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Experience working in a design-to-order or custom engineering environment is strongly preferred.
Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Familiarity with low voltage switchgear, panelboards, utility systems, or the power industry is preferred.
Proficiency in sheet metal design, including manufacturability and cost optimization.
Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.
Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar; CFD or Finite Element Analysis experience is a plus.
Knowledge of IEEE/ANSI C37.20.2, C37.04, C37.06, C37.09; CSA C22.2 No. 31‑M89; EEMAC G8‑3.2 design guidelines and NFPA70E are desirable.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate across teams.