R & D Engineer

Versique Executive, Professional & Interim Recruiting; Medina (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Employer retirement contribution (8%)

Employee ownership opportunities

Professional development support

Paid time off

Job summary

Versique is seeking an engineer to explore early-stage product concepts in Minneapolis, with hands-on prototype development and 3D CAD design responsibilities. You will build, test, and iterate prototypes, translating goals into practical engineering solutions and maintaining thorough documentation of progress.

The role requires collaboration across internal teams, strong problem-solving skills, and independence in a dynamic, evolving environment. Onsite location in the Minneapolis area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum three years of experience in product development, fabrication, or prototype development.
• Hands-on fabrication experience including welding, machining, forming, and assembly.

Responsibilities

• Develop design concepts and prototypes for new product ideas.
• Create mechanical designs and layouts using 3D CAD software.
• Build and assemble prototypes using welding, machining and mechanical assembly.
• Design experiments to evaluate feasibility, performance and durability.
• Document prototype designs, testing results and lessons learned.

Skills

3D CAD - SolidWorks

Prototype development

Fabrication - welding & machining

Engineering drawings reading

Documentation & communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

This position is responsible for exploring and developing early-stage product and process ideas through engineering design, experimentation, and prototype development. This role designs, builds, and tests concepts to evaluate feasibility and reduce technical risk. Communicates findings and technical direction with internal teams across the organization to help define solutions that can transition to final development.

Worksite Location

Onsite, Minneapolis, MN area

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary aligned with experience, with an ideal salary range of $90-120k and potential for performance-based incentives or bonus opportunities.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, disability, life insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution (8%), employee ownership opportunities, paid time off, and professional development support.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Develop design concepts and prototype solutions for new product and manufacturing ideas across multiple product areas.
• Create mechanical designs and layouts using 3D CAD software.
• Build and assemble prototypes using fabrication methods including welding, machining, and mechanical assembly.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate feasibility, performance, and durability.
• Translate project goals into practical engineering solutions with limited direction.
• Research materials, fabrication techniques, and technologies to support development.
• Explore alternative approaches to solve technical challenges.
• Communicate technical findings and development progress with internal teams.
• Document prototype designs, testing results, and lessons learned.
• Maintain organized records of prototype builds and experiments.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Who will be successful in this position? Someone who has:

• Creativity with the ability to generate new ideas and explore alternative solutions.
• Independence and the ability to work effectively with little direction.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop practical engineering solutions.
• Curiosity and willingness to investigate multiple ways to solve problems.
• Hands-on engineering capability, including designing, fabricating, and modifying prototypes.
• Adaptability when working in evolving project environments.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience in product development, fabrication, manufacturing engineering, or prototype development. Minimum three years of related experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication methods such as welding, machining, forming, and mechanical assembly
• Knowledge of common manufacturing processes including fabrication, welding, machining, and assembly.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documents.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Experience working in manufacturing or product development environments preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

About Versique

Versique is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.