Research & Development Engineer

Volta, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Basic Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-term

Voluntary benefits

FSA and HSA

Vacation/PTO

Job summary

W-Industries is seeking a Research & Development Engineer to design, prototype, test, and validate advanced LV/MV switchgear and MCC systems. You will lead concept development, design-for-manufacture, and verification activities while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, cost-effective products that meet client and industry standards.

The role requires hands-on expertise in LV/MV switchgear architectures, electrical/mechanical analysis, and adherence to UL/IEEE/NEC

Qualifications

• 3+ years in R&D, product development, or advanced engineering within industrial, power distribution, or energy markets.
• LV/MV switchgear experience is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or controls/automation engineering; MS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development, requirements definition, and feasibility studies for LV/MV switchgear and MCC platforms.
• Design electromechanical assemblies, switchgear line-ups, MCCs, and instrumentation/control solutions.
• Develop layouts for LV/MV SWGR and MCC systems for prototype testing.
• Integrate circuit breakers, contactors, soft starters, VFDs, relays, transformers, buses and auxiliary equipment.
• Create DOE plans, verification protocols, and iterate designs based on electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance.
• Produce engineering documentation: drawings, BOMs, specs, control narratives, risk assessments.
• Apply DFM/DFA and reliability practices to reduce cost, footprint, weight, and complexity while ensuring safety.
• Ensure compliance with UL/IEEE/NEC/IEC standards and client specs.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis; implement corrective actions for LV/MV SWGR and MCC tools.
• Prepare technical reports, ROI analyses, and business cases for stage-gate decisions and roadmaps.

Job description

Description

The Research & Development Engineer designs, prototypes, tests, and validates innovative solutions for W-Industries’ automation, electrification, power generation, and packaged equipment offerings, with a strong focus on low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) switchgear and motor control center (MCC) systems. This role leads concept development, design-for-manufacture, and verification activities while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, cost-effective products that meet client and industry standards.

Requirements

• Lead concept development, requirements definition, and feasibility studies for new products and system enhancements, including LV/MV switchgear and MCC platforms.
• Design electromechanical assemblies, LV/MV switchgear line-ups, MCCs, and instrumentation/control solutions using sound engineering principles and best practices for arc-resistant and metal-clad/metal-enclosed equipment.
• Develop equipment layouts for LV/MV SWGR and MCC systems for prototype testing
• Where needed, design and integrate circuit breakers, contactors, soft starters, VFDs, protective relays, transformers, bus systems, and auxiliary equipment for LV/MV switchgear and MCC applications.
• Develop test plans, design of experiments (DOE), and verification/validation protocols for LV/MV SWGR and MCC designs; analyze results and iterate designs based on electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance.
• Produce engineering documentation—drawings, BOMs, specifications, control narratives, and risk assessments for LV/MV switchgear, MCCs, and integrated packaged solutions.
• Apply DFM/DFA and reliability engineering practices to switchgear and MCC designs; drive cost, footprint, weight, and complexity reductions while maintaining safety and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., UL 1558, UL 891, UL 845, UL 508A, IEEE C37 series, NEC/NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, IEC/ISA, ASME) and client specifications for LV/MV SWGR and MCC systems.
• Prepare technical reports, business cases, and ROI analyses supporting stage-gate decisions and product roadmaps for new switchgear, MCC offerings, and related packaged equipment.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of electrical, control, and mechanical issues in LV/MV SWGR and MCC products; implement corrective and preventive actions as needed and encountered during new product testing with UL.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in 3D CAD and drafting tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD Electrical) for switchgear and MCC layouts, assemblies, and schematics.
• Strong knowledge of power distribution fundamentals, including LV/MV switchgear architectures, MCC topologies, short circuit etc
• Competence in engineering analysis (tolerance stacks, FEA basics, thermal analysis, and reliability concepts) applied to switchgear, MCC structures, and enclosure design.
• Skilled in test planning, DOE, data analysis, and technical report writing for electrical equipment qualification and type testing.
• Excellent problem solving, organization, and cross functional communication abilities, including coordination with manufacturing, field service, and suppliers.
• Strong knowledge in Switchgear design.

Required Education & Certifications

• Experience: 3+ years in R&D, product development, or advanced engineering within industrial, power distribution, or energy markets and MCC products.
• Knowledge in LV/MV Switchgears is Required.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, or Controls/Automation Engineering required; MS preferred.
• Credentials: EIT/PE, PMP, or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to walk through project sites, including outdoor, industrial, and electrical equipment environments.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times.

Offered Benefits

• Salary: 95,000.00 - 143,000.00 USD Gross Annual
• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-term Disability insurance
• Voluntary benefits
• FSA and HSA
• Vacation/PTO

EEOC Statement

W-Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We ensure that no applicant for employment or employee is denied an equal opportunity based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

E-Verify Notification

W-Industries is a participant of E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility.