Senior Research and Development Engineer - Fasteners, Tools, and Mechanical Anchors

strongtie; Gallatin (TN); On-site; USD 84,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Simpson Strong-Tie is seeking a Senior Research and Development Engineer to lead the design and development of innovative fastener installation tools and fasteners from concept through validation. You will analyze project requirements, use CAD/FEA/3D printing, and coordinate with vendors, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver robust solutions.

The role demands a BS in Mechanical Engineering, 7+ years in fastening systems, and a track record of leading multi-disciplinary projects, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years designing mechanical fastening systems, anchors, connectors, tools, or related construction products.
• Holder of one or more patents related to tool design.
• Proven ability to lead complex product-development projects from concept to production.
• Strong technical decision-making balancing performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of fasteners and installation tools from concept through validation.
• Create design documentation, reviews, and IP-related materials.
• Collaborate with vendors, tooling, manufacturing, and quality departments.
• Work with product management and marketing on product commercialization.
• Develop and execute building code-based test programs to validate performance.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and quality control.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA

3D CAD

Patent filings

Project leadership

Communication

Materials behavior

Experimental design

ASTM standards

MS Office/SharePoint

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Inventor

Aras

Planview

Job description

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

Learn about our company culture directly from our team .

YOU

As a Senior Research and Development Engineer, you will have a pivotal role in team success by leading the design and development of innovative fastener installation tools and fasteners from concept through validation.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING (% of Time)

• Design tools for the construction industry - primarily for the delivery of fasteners. (65%)
• Analyzing, understanding, and translating project requirements into clear product features
• Utilizing CAD, FEA, 3D printing, prototyping, and proof testing to optimize designs
• Coordination with vendors, tooling, manufacturing, and quality departments
• Collaboration with product management and marketing in the commercialization of products
• Preparation of technical documentation, design reviews, and IP related materials
• Design structural fasteners for the construction industry. (25%)
• Extrapolating structural fastener performance concepts into innovative fastener designs
• Designing and executing building code based test programs to validate fastener performance
• Coordination with vendors, tooling, manufacturing, and quality departments
• Collaboration with product management and marketing in the commercialization of products
• Preparation of technical documentation, design reviews, and IP related materials
• Provide technical support for manufacturing and quality control. (10%)
• Analysis of problems and development of solutions to manufacturing challenges.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• 7+ years of experience designing mechanical fastening systems, anchors, connectors, tools, or related construction products
• Holder of one or more patents related to tool design
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex product-development projects from concept generation through validation and handoff to production teams
• Strong technical decision-making skills with the ability to balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule objectives
• High-level creativity for solving complex mechanical challenges
• Expert-level knowledge of mechanical design principles, structural mechanics, and materials behavior
• Fluency in the Microsoft 365 environment including SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Copilot
• Familiarity with Aras and Planview
• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD modeling (Inventor) and engineering analysis tools
• Extensive experience applying FEA and simulation techniques to support design decisions and product validation
• Strong understanding of experimental design, laboratory testing, statistical analysis, and industry standards such as ASTM
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to create detailed engineering reports, specifications, presentations, and technical recommendations for diverse audiences
• Experience with intellectual property development, patent filings, and invention disclosures
• Experience leading technical teams, mentoring engineers, and influencing organizational decisions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, see, talk, and hear. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in both a professional office environment, customer sites and outdoor construction job sites. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers/scanners, etc. The employee occasionally works around moving mechanical parts. Noise level may be loud at times.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

This position requires domestic and international travel up to 10% of the time.

WORK STATUS & LOCATION

This full-time, exempt position is located in Gallatin, TN.

RELOCATION

Relocation may be considered for this position.

PAY

$84,400 - $135,000 / year

REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE

We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some po