Research & Development Lead

AUTEC Car Wash Systems; Statesville (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading car wash solutions provider in Statesville, NC is seeking an experienced R&D Lead - Electrical Engineering. In this role, you will lead electrical engineering projects, drive research and development initiatives, and ensure designs comply with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in electrical and control systems, along with proven leadership capabilities. This position offers a full-time opportunity in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• 2+ years in a leadership or project lead role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects, overseeing design and testing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate technologies.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.

Skills

PLC programming (Siemens, Mitsubishi, GE)

Ladder logic

HMI development

Analytical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SOLIDWORKS Electrical

SAP

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an innovative and experienced R&D Lead - Electrical Engineering to drive research and development initiatives at AUTEC Car Wash Systems. This role combines technical expertise in electrical and control systems with leadership in new product development, testing, and innovation. The ideal candidate will guide R&D projects from concept through implementation, ensuring designs are reliable, cost-effective, and aligned with AUTEC’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering efforts within the R&D team, driving the design, development, and testing of next-generation car wash systems.
• Manage and prioritize multiple R&D projects, balancing innovation with practical manufacturability.
• Design, program, and validate control systems using PLCs, relays, timers, VFDs, and other industrial automation components.
• Oversee prototype builds, experimental testing, and field trials, ensuring rigorous evaluation of new designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Mechanical Engineering, Software, Operations, Service) to integrate new technologies into AUTEC’s product line.
• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, including schematics, BOMs, test protocols, and reports.
• Research and implement emerging technologies, materials, and processes to improve system performance, efficiency, and safety.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to team training and development.
• Ensure R&D projects comply with applicable codes and standards (NEC, UL 508A, OSHA, NFPA).
• Present findings, progress updates, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering, with 5+ years of relevant engineering experience and 2+ years in a leadership or project lead role.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens, Mitsubishi, GE), ladder logic, HMI development, and industrial automation systems.
• Industry Knowledge: Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or SOLIDWORKS Electrical; working knowledge of VFDs, servo systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and wire harness design. Familiarity with SAP preferred.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage R&D projects, and mentor engineering staff.
• Other Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to balance innovative ideas with practical execution.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Frequently required to stand, sit, reach with arms, talk, and hear.
• Occasionally required to walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs, frequently up to 25 lbs, and occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries

Get notified about new Research Development Lead jobs in Statesville, NC.