Senior R&D Engineer - Medium Voltage

Industrial Electric Manufacturing; Franklin, Portland (TN, OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Industrial Electric Manufacturing (IEM) in Franklin, TN is seeking a Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer to lead design, testing, and certification of electrical power products. You will collaborate with electrical, mechanical and manufacturing engineers and manage the product development process.

The role emphasizes three-phase power concepts, NRTL certifications, DFMed reliability and close partnership with manufacturing. Occasional travel to support testing up to 20% is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience designing low and/or medium voltage power distribution equipment or related products.
• BSME or equivalent in experience.
• Experience with NRTL (UL, CSA, etc.) evaluation, testing and certification processes.
• Experience with common standards for electrical equipment (UL 891, 1558, 508A; IEEE C37.20, etc.)
• Design Experience using SolidWorks to produce 3D models is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead New Product Development projects from initiation to production
• Execute the NPI engineering work for assigned projects
• Draft detailed specifications and drawings with Sales and stakeholders
• Coordinate with NRTL to define certification scope
• Create design drawings, 3D models, and BOMs for prototypes
• Develop test plans per relevant standards and conduct tests
• Support testing at in-house and external labs; travel up to 20%
• Evaluate test results and revise designs using data and engineering concepts
• Characterize electrical, thermal and mechanical performance through testing or analysis
• Collaborate with manufacturing to implement DFM concepts

Skills

Power distribution design

NRTL evaluation knowledge

Electrical standards knowledge

3D modeling

Design for Manufacturability

Project leadership

Testing & certification processes

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets.

Location: Tualatin OR or Franklin TN

Reports To: Sr R&D Manager-MV

Position Summary

The Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer is responsible for collaborating or leading the design, testing and certification of innovative electrical power products in collaboration with a diverse team of electrical, mechanical and manufacturing engineers. This role requires a strong intuition of fundamental engineering concepts across multiple disciplines and an ability to effectively manage the product development process under limited direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Leader for New Product Development Projects from project initiation through production implementation.
• Ensure the execution and implementation of the New Product Introduction (NPI) engineering work for assigned projects.
• Collaborate with Senior and Lead Engineers in writing detailed engineering specifications and developing concept drawings in collaboration with Sales and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) to define product evaluation and certification scope.
• Lead the creation of detailed design drawings, 3D models and bills of material for prototype equipment and test articles.
• Develop and document test plans according to the relevant standards. Common tests include full-load temperature rise, dielectric and BIL, short-circuit and withstand current, mechanical endurance, component failure, environmental, functional and seismic shake-table tests.
• Support the testing process at in-house and third-party laboratories. Travel up to 20% to support testing and other product development tasks in-person. Evaluate test results and revise designs based on empirical data and established engineering concepts.
• Characterize the electrical, thermal and mechanical performance of common design elements through testing, simulation and/or analytical methods. Develop standard design criteria and models.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineering to implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) concepts throughout the new product development process.
• Working with Mechanical Designers,
• Conduct failure analyses of existing products and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Strong Technical Capability
• Solid grasp of three-phase electric power concepts, power distribution systems, power control and protection strategies are preferred.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• Must be a team player with strong verbal/written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with precise attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience designing low and/or medium voltage power distribution equipment or related products.
• BSME or equivalent in experience.
• Experience with NRTL (UL, CSA, etc.) evaluation, testing and certification processes.
• Experience with common standards for electrical equipment (UL 891, 1558, 508A; IEEE C37.20, etc.)
• Design Experience using SolidWorks to produce 3D models is highly preferred.

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers

Non-Discrimination Statement

IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.