Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer — Product Leadership

nVent; Solon (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

nVent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead CADDY product portfolios, driving design excellence across diverse manufacturing environments. You will own technical direction, mentor teams, and ensure compliance with UL, FM, and CSA while coordinating prototypes and validation activities.

You will collaborate with Product Management to accelerate portfolio growth, lead global cross-functional projects, and support product launches, production transfers, and supplier qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Ideally 7+ years of proven experience in a related engineering field
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in SolidWorks assemblies, modeling, drawings, and PDM/PLM systems
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design practices for progressive die stamping, wire forming, spring steel components, cold forming, welding, and assembly automation
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASTM, material codes, and UL or FM
• Able to travel up to 20% for customer support and off-site testing, as needed

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical leader for assigned CADDY products.
• Drive engineering excellence through design standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead cost-reduction, value-engineering, supplier transition, and risk-mitigation projects.
• Resolve technical issues related to manufacturing, quality, compliance, and field performance.
• Lead development and execution of product line extensions.
• Understand installation practices and application requirements within electrical, mechanical, datacom, and construction environments.
• Manage product line extension activities from concept through commercialization.
• Coordinate prototype development, testing, design validation, and certification activities.
• Partner with Product Management to accelerate portfolio growth and roadmap execution.
• Lead global, cross-functional project teams to achieve business objectives.
• Facilitate design reviews, FMEAs, risk assessments, and engineering decision making.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing, Lab Team, Approvals team, Product Management, and Sales teams.
• Support successful product launches, production transfers, and supplier qualifications.
• Mentor engineers and cross-functional team members through technical coaching, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.
• Develop robust product specifications, test methods, and validation plans.
• Validate design changes using analytical techniques, prototyping, and laboratory testing.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, agency certifications, and industry standards such as UL, FM, and CSA.
• Participate in codes and standards committees and advocate on behalf of the company.
• Act as a subject matter expert for customers, sales teams, and channel partners.
• Participate in customer visits and technical reviews to understand application challenges and identify growth opportunities.
• Support business case development and prioritization of engineering investments.
• Observe product installation in the field and translate contractor feedback into a holistic understanding of customer needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

SolidWorks

PDM/PLM

Manufacturing processes

Industry standards

Travel up to 20%

Communication

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

nVent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead CADDY product portfolios, driving design excellence across diverse manufacturing environments. You will own technical direction, mentor teams, and ensure compliance with UL, FM, and CSA while coordinating prototypes and validation activities.

You will collaborate with Product Management to accelerate portfolio growth, lead global cross-functional projects, and support product launches, production transfers, and supplier qualifications.