Senior Mechanical R&D Leader

Dodge Industrial, Inc.; Simpsonville (SC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Dodge Industrial, Inc. is seeking a Principal R&D Engineer in the Manufacturing sector to lead major multi-phase R&D projects and mentor engineers across the organization.

You will drive technically advanced solutions and oversee FEA-driven design decisions in a dynamic, customer-focused environment. The role requires a deep background in mechanical engineering, hands-on leadership, and a proven track record in patents or IP development.

Qualifications

• Minimum a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited institution.
• 20+ years of engineering experience in design, analysis, and development of mechanical products or systems.
• Expertise in mechanical design principles: structural mechanics, materials, manufacturing processes, and product development.
• Significant experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using commercial software (ANSYS preferred; Abaqus acceptable).
• Proven record of technical innovation through patents, applications, or IP development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization’s principal technical expert for mechanical design, analysis, and problem solving.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple product lines and development programs.
• Mentor engineers to elevate technical capabilities across the organization.
• Lead resolution of the most challenging engineering and design issues.
• Drive innovation through new technologies, concepts, and IP creation.
• Conduct advanced analytical evaluations (structural, thermal, fatigue, nonlinear FEA).
• Establish engineering best practices, design methodologies, and analytical standards.
• Review and approve critical analyses, designs, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, product management, testing, and research teams.

Skills

Mechanical design

Finite Element Analysis

Project leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

CAD tools (2D/3D)

Job description

Dodge Industrial, Inc. is seeking a Principal R&D Engineer in the Manufacturing sector to lead major multi-phase R&D projects and mentor engineers across the organization.

You will drive technically advanced solutions and oversee FEA-driven design decisions in a dynamic, customer-focused environment. The role requires a deep background in mechanical engineering, hands-on leadership, and a proven track record in patents or IP development.