Principal R&D Engineer - FEA

RBC; Simpsonville (SC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

RBC is seeking a Principal R&D Engineer to act as the senior technical lead for mechanical design, analysis, and problem solving. You will guide multi-phase R&D projects, mentor peers, and stay at the forefront of technology and Dodge products related to the portfolio.

You will lead high-impact projects, manage advanced analyses (FEA), and collaborate across disciplines to deliver customer value and improved operations. Strong communication and innovation are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; 20+ years in design, analysis, and development of mechanical products or systems.
• Expertise in mechanical design principles, structural mechanics, materials, manufacturing, and product development.
• Significant experience performing and interpreting finite element analysis (FEA) with ANSYS; Abaqus also acceptable.
• Proven record of technical innovation through patents or related IP activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization’s principal technical expert for mechanical design, analysis, and problem solving.
• Provide technical leadership across product lines and development programs.
• Mentor engineers across levels to elevate technical capabilities.
• Lead resolution of the most challenging engineering and design issues.
• Drive innovation by creating new technologies, concepts, and IP.
• Oversee advanced analytical evaluations including structural, thermal, fatigue, and nonlinear FEA.
• Establish engineering best practices, design methodologies, and analytical standards.
• Review and approve critical analyses, designs, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, product management, and testing teams to ensure successful development.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices.

Skills

Mechanical design

Structural analysis

Project leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Problem solving

Innovation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Industry: Manufacturing | Mechanical Power Transmission Components | Engineering Services

Job Function: Engineering | Research & Development

Job Summary: The Principal R&D Engineer will act as a principal engineer for the team to drive improved decision-making skills and advanced educational development for team members. This individual will lead major multi-phase R&D projects and teach less skilled colleagues to improve overall R&D team performance. The role maintains awareness of state-of-the-art technology, as well as Dodge products and technologies, and identifies and understands technical drivers for R&D projects. The Principal R&D Engineer understands what creates customer value in own R&D projects and project portfolio, works to improve operations, increase customer satisfaction, and provides consulting services to business operations and customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Excellence

• Act as a senior engineer for the team to drive improved decision-making skills and advanced educational development for team members.
• Act as the technology leader for large multi-phase new product development projects that require advanced R&D and project management skills.
• Innovate and implement industry-leading technologies to solve identified challenges within a problem statement that can be incorporated into assigned products and/or processes.
• Demonstrate sound fundamental technical proficiency in own competence area.
• Emphasis on critical thinking, root cause analysis, and problem solving.
• Lead the peer team in creating new and innovative solutions that exceed the performance of current technologies.
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial innovative spirit to R&D projects with own unique and creative ideas.
• Propose follow-up projects and activities within own technical area based on new ideas.

Projects, Processes & Tools

• Demonstrate sound understanding of, and actively apply, R&D processes and tools.
• Examples include sound communication capabilities, advanced project management processes, use of 2D and 3D CAD tools, advanced understanding of FEA, and awareness of industry standards applicable to area of expertise.

Knowledge Transfer

• Actively teach own technical/scientific knowledge to less skilled colleagues in applying processes and tools to ensure timely and high-quality results.
• Show solid documentation skills and write technical reports independently.

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Proactively seek to identify opportunities for new or advanced technologies that could be used for product enhancements or new product needs based on problem definition and project scopes.
• Initiate business review of new technology ideas with business team members.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 20 years of engineering experience in the design, analysis, and development of mechanical products or systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in mechanical design principles, including structural mechanics, materials, manufacturing processes, and product development.
• Significant experience performing and interpreting Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Advanced proficiency with commercial FEA software, preferably ANSYS; experience with Abaqus is also acceptable.
• Proven record of technical innovation demonstrated through patents, patent applications, invention disclosures, intellectual property development, or commercialization of new technologies.
• Exceptional mechanical aptitude with the ability to quickly diagnose, analyze, and solve complex engineering problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.
• Significant experience designing metallic products, components, or engineered systems.
• Experience leading design, and technical problem-solving efforts for highly engineered products.
• Recognized industry expertise through publications, patents, conference presentations, technical committee participation, or other professional accomplishments.
• Experience supporting products throughout the entire lifecycle, from concept development through validation, production, and field support.

Physical Demands:

• Extended periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk or computer workstation.
• 5-10% travel to meet with clients or attend meetings (overnight travel as needed).
• Ability to type, reach, and grasp.
• Able to carry, lift, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Reach, climb, crawl, walk.
• Speak and present in person or virtually to individuals and small groups.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as the organization's principal technical expert for mechanical design, analysis, and engineering problem solving.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple product lines, development programs, and engineering disciplines.
• Mentor engineers at all levels, helping to elevate technical capabilities throughout the organization.
• Lead the resolution of the most challenging engineering and design issues.
• Drive innovation through the creation of new technologies, product concepts, and intellectual property.
• Conduct and oversee advanced analytical evaluations, including structural, thermal, fatigue, and nonlinear FEA studies.
• Establish engineering best practices, design methodologies, and analytical standards.
• Review and approve critical engineering analyses, designs, and technical recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, product management, testing, and research organizations to ensure successful product development.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, materials, analytical methods, and industry best practices.

Why Join Us?

• Work alongside a collaborative, experienced leadership team.
• Be part of an industry leader with a strong brand reputation and an innovation-driven culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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