Research & Development Engineer

The Timken Company

West Deptford Township (NJ)

On-site

USD 77,000 - 94,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Timken Company is seeking an R&D Engineer to design and test advanced bearing products, while optimizing materials and processes for performance, durability, and cost efficiency. You will work with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation and ensure compliance with standards.

Responsibilities include developing test protocols, validating designs through lab and field trials, and preparing detailed technical reports.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
2 to 5 years of bearing design and development experience.
Strong understanding of tribology and bearing design standards.
Experience with data analysis, testing protocols, and performance validation.

Responsibilities

Design and develop new plain bearing products (journal bearings, bushings, etc.).
Design and conduct material feasibility studies (bronze, babbitt, PTFE-lined materials).
Improve product performance, load capacity, wear resistance, and lubrication efficiency.
Collaborate with production, quality, and sales teams for product development.
Develop test protocols and validate bearing products through lab and field testing.
Prepare technical reports, specifications, and design documentation.

Skills

Tribology knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA software

Tribology modeling

Job description

What Timken makes possible begins with you. Those who came before us helped land a man on the moon, create the world\'s infrastructure, and introduce renewable energy alternatives. Now you can join the Timken team to write your own unique story and help drive what\'s next.

A career at Timken means you can have an immediate impact doing Work That Matters to the world- improving the efficiency of today\'s industrial equipment and preparing for the future of motion on our planet and beyond. New employees can start contributing right away, and there are many opportunities to advance your career at your own pace. Join our global team of 19,000 people in 45 countries, and start helping our customers push the limits of what\'s possible in their world of motion.

This R&D Engineer position is responsible for developing, testing, and improving bearing products, materials, and manufacturing processes. This role focuses on enhancing product performance, durability, and cost efficiency while ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. The position plays a key role in innovation, product lifecycle management, and technical problem-solving.

Product Development & Innovation

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

Material & Process Research

Design and execute commercial enablement strategies that empower Sales and Customer-Facing teams to effectively sell and support products.

Create and maintain high-impact sales enablement tools, including product messaging, pitch decks, use cases, pricing rationale, and competitive positioning.

Lead product launch planning and execution, ensuring cross-functional readiness across Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Operations.

Enable consistent product knowledge through training programs, playbooks, and ongoing field communication.

Testing & Validation

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.)

Technical Analysis & Problem Solving / Documentation & Reporting

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 optimization

Prepare technical reports, specifications, and design documentation

Maintain records of R&D activities, trials, and test outcomes

Develop engineering standards, manuals, and best practices

Qualifications & Skills:

Bachelor\'s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Tribology, or a related technical discipline.

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.

Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including machining, heat treatment, assembly, and quality control practices.

Experience with data analysis, testing protocols, root cause analysis, and performance validation methodologies.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at senior leadership levels.

Strong project management, planning, organizational, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Innovative and results-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and problem-solving.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: The yearly compensation for this role is $76,860 - $93,940 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Actual pay may be higher or lower than the posted range.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Other Compensation: Includes participation in a short-term incentive program and wellness incentives.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Timken is a global technology leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion. Our expanding portfolio of next-generation solutions helps customers around the world improve efficiency, solve their toughest challenges, and push the boundaries of performance. We employ 19,000 people globally, operate from 45 countries, and posted $4.6 billion in sales in 2025.

We have been recognized as one of America\'s Most Responsible Companies 6x by Newsweek and one of the World\'s Most Ethical Companies® 15x by Ethisphere.

Why Choose Timken?