Principal Engineer, R&D & Mechanical Design Lead (Hybrid)

Kadant Black Clawson LLC; Lebanon (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kadant Black Clawson LLC in Lebanon, OH, seeks a Principal Engineer to lead R&D and NPD projects, guiding design, testing, and manufacturing readiness. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on design oversight and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams.

The successful candidate will manage complex equipment projects, mentor others, and champion IP creation while maintaining alignment with company values and global customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited program.
• 15+ years in industrial machine design.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Expert knowledge of mechanical behavior under static/dynamic/fatigue loading.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and ANSYS.
• Experience with weldments, stainless steel, castings, motor gearboxes.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiar with parametric 3D design software.
• ERP experience preferred.
• Ability to be recognized as a technical authority.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee R&D and NPD projects via a stage-gate process.
• Oversee new equipment designs and updates.
• Act as technical authority on assigned products.
• Lead design plans, test plans, and development reports.
• Lead program design and progress review meetings.
• Visit customer sites to solve problems and capture needs.
• Support manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and field service.
• Demonstrate IP understanding and create new IP.
• Utilize analysis tools including FEA, FMEA, DFM/DFA, and AI.

Skills

Technical leadership

Collaboration across functions

Mechanical behavior knowledge

Machine design experience

Verbal and written communication

Analytical/problem-solving

Technical authority

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ERP experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Parametric 3D design software

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Kadant Black Clawson LLC in Lebanon, OH, seeks a Principal Engineer to lead R&D and NPD projects, guiding design, testing, and manufacturing readiness. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on design oversight and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams.

The successful candidate will manage complex equipment projects, mentor others, and champion IP creation while maintaining alignment with company values and global customers.