R&D Engineer Cable and Kits - EHT

Spirax-Sarco Ltd.; La Vergne (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chromalox, part of Spirax Group, is seeking an R&D Engineer for Cable and Kits to advance heat-trace cable platforms from concept to product realization. You will translate customer and regulatory needs into safe, reliable, manufacturable designs and collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain.

The role requires hands-on prototyping, strong engineering communication, and a track record of leading development projects across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Working knowledge of electrical circuits, heat transfer, and mechanical design.
• Experience applying a structured product-development process from requirements through release.
• Experience developing heat trace cable, heating cable, wire and cable products, or related thermal-management products is preferred.
• Knowledge of polymer extrusion, sealing, potting, and cable assembly methods is preferred.
• Experience with hazardous-location or industrial product standards and certification bodies (UL, CSA, FM, IECEx, ATEX) is preferred.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, test procedures, and reports.
• Experience with Autodesk products and PLM systems is preferred.
• Hands-on prototyping, laboratory work, testing, and root-cause problem solving.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to write and present technical information to stakeholders.
• Aptitude for multitasking and meeting timelines.

Responsibilities

• Own R&D projects for heat trace cable platforms and related kits.
• Translate requirements into engineering specs, test plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Develop and evaluate cable constructions, insulation, seals, and related materials.
• Manage projects from concept to product realization with cross-functional teams.
• Plan electrical, thermal, mechanical, environmental, dielectric, and related testing.
• Coordinate with third-party labs for testing and documentation.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop scalable processes.
• Qualify new materials, components, and suppliers for performance and manufacturability.
• Lead root-cause investigations for development and field issues.
• Manage engineering data, drawings, BOMs, test reports, and design records.
• Support launches with technical content, training, and field or customer support.

Job description

R&D Engineer Cable and Kits - EHT

Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.

At Chromalox, we build advanced thermal technologies for the world’s most challenging industrial heating applications.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we got our start with an innovative solution 100 years ago when a self-taught engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced thermal technology that launched an entire industry.

We excel in industries that have high expectations. We are acknowledged as experts at delivering solutions that exceed specifications, limit risk, and reduce operating costs.

Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!

The Role:

As part of theResearch & Development team, the R&D Engineer will develop and improveelectric heat trace cables and connection kits from concept through productrealization. The engineer will translate customer, market, regulatory, andmanufacturing needs into product designs that are safe, reliable,manufacturable, compliant, and commercially competitive.

Additionally, theR&D Engineer will lead technical work across design, prototyping,verification, qualification, certification, and launch. This role willcollaborate closely with Product Management, Manufacturing Engineering,Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Application Engineering, and third-partyapproval agencies to successfully introduce new products and improve existingplatforms.

Your Responsibilities:

• Own R&D projects for heat trace cable platforms and associated power connection, splice, tee, end-seal, termination, and entry kits.
• Translate voice-of-customer, product management, application engineering, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements into engineering specifications, design inputs, test plans, and product acceptance criteria.
• Develop and evaluate cable constructions, connection methods, sealing systems, insulation systems, metallic components, polymers, adhesives, potting compounds, and related materials for industrial heat trace applications.
• Manage projects from concept selection through design, prototyping, verification, validation, certification, and product realization while coordinating with cross-functional departments.
• Plan and execute electrical, thermal, mechanical, environmental, dielectric, ingress-protection, chemical-resistance, aging, and installation-related testing as applicable.
• Coordinate with third-party approval agencies and laboratories to ensure proper sample selection, testing, technical documentation, and conformance to applicable industry standards.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop scalable processes, work instructions, inspection methods, and production controls for new products.
• Qualify new materials, components, and suppliers to improve product performance, reliability, availability, cost, and manufacturability while maintaining compliance.
• Lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions for development issues, test failures, manufacturing problems, and field performance concerns.
• Manage product engineering data and configuration control, including drawings, specifications, bills of material, test reports, design records, and engineering changes.
• Support product launches with technical content, application guidance, training, manufacturing readiness, and field or customer support as needed.

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Working knowledge of electrical circuits, resistance heating, heat transfer, material behavior, and mechanical design principles.
• Experience applying a structured product-development process from requirements and concept selection through verification, validation, and release.
• Experience developing heat trace cable, heating cable, wire and cable products, connection kits, industrial electrical accessories, or related thermal-management products is preferred.
• Knowledge of polymer extrusion, fluoropolymers, polyolefins, elastomers, irradiation or crosslinking, overmolding, sealing, potting, crimping, termination, or cable assembly methods is preferred.
• Experience with hazardous-location or industrial product standards and certification bodies such as UL, CSA, FM, IECEx, or ATEX is preferred.
• Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, test procedures, and technical reports.
• Experience with Autodesk products and engineering data or product lifecycle management systems is preferred.
• Hands-on capability with prototypes, laboratory equipment, test instrumentation, and structured root-cause problem solving.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to partner with cross-functional stakeholders, including product users, production, supply chain, quality, and related departments.
• Ability to prepare (write) and present technical information, design concepts, test findings, risks, and recommended solutions to engineering and business stakeholders.
• Aptitude for multitasking, managing projects, and working to emerging timelines.

At Chromalox, we are not just an employer but a champion of equal opportunities and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that adheres to the highest hiring standards and is free from discrimination and harassment.

Chromalox is an equal opportunity employer; our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.