R&D Engineer: Bearings, Tribology & Validation

Timken; West Deptford Township (NJ); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Timken in New Jersey is seeking an R&D Engineer to develop bearing products, test materials, and optimize processes to improve performance, durability, and cost efficiency.

You will work on design, validation, and cross-functional product development across production, quality, sales, and engineering, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.

We value collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline related to bearing technology or materials science.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in bearing design, development, manufacturing, or related engineering applications.
• Strong understanding of tribology principles, bearing design methodologies, industry standards, and engineering materials.
• Experience with data analysis, testing protocols, root cause analysis, and performance validation methodologies.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and influence senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new plain bearing products (journal bearings, bushings, thrust washers, etc.)
• Conduct feasibility studies for new materials (bronze, babbitt, PTFE-lined, polymer composites, etc.)
• Improve existing products for performance, load capacity, wear resistance, and lubrication efficiency
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, quality, sales) for product development
• Design and execute commercial enablement strategies to empower Sales and Customer‑Facing teams
• Lead product launch planning and execution with cross-functional readiness across departments
• Enable consistent product knowledge through training programs and playbooks
• Develop test protocols for performance validation (load, fatigue, wear, friction, temperature)
• Conduct laboratory and field testing of bearing products
• Analyze test results and recommend design or process changes
• Ensure products meet relevant standards (ISO, ASTM, DIN, SAE, etc.)
• Investigate product failures and perform root cause analysis
• Provide technical support for customer complaints and field issues
• Use simulation tools (FEA, tribology modeling) for design optimisation
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and design documentation
• Maintain records of R&D activities, trials, and test outcomes
• Develop engineering standards, manuals, and best practices

Skills

Tribology principles

Bearing design methodologies

Engineering materials

Data analysis

Testing protocols

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Tribology

Job description

Timken in New Jersey is seeking an R&D Engineer to develop bearing products, test materials, and optimize processes to improve performance, durability, and cost efficiency.

You will work on design, validation, and cross-functional product development across production, quality, sales, and engineering, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.

We value collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.