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

Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.; Town of Gallatin (NY); On-site; USD 84,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. in Gallatin, TN 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 collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and marketing, using CAD, FEA, and prototyping to translate project requirements into production-ready solutions. Ideal candidates have a BS in mechanical engineering, 7+ years in fastening systems, patents, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years designing mechanical fastening systems.
• Holder of one or more tool-design patents.
• Proven ability to lead complex product-development projects.
• Strong technical decision-making balancing performance and cost.
• Creative problem-solving for mechanical challenges.
• Expert knowledge of mechanical design, structures, and materials.
• Fluency with Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Copilot).
• Familiarity with Aras and Planview.
• Advanced 3D CAD modeling with Inventor.
• Extensive experience with FEA and simulations.
• Understanding of experimental design and ASTM standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Produce detailed reports and specifications.
• IP development and patent filings experience.
• Lead technical teams and mentor engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design tools for fastener delivery using CAD, FEA, and prototyping.
• Design structural fasteners and validate with code-based tests.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing and quality control.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA

IP/patents

Project leadership

Creative problem-solving

Manufacturing collaboration

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Communication

3D CAD modeling

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Inventor

Aras

Planview

Microsoft 365

Job description

Senior Research and Development Engineer

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 has 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 routine 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 positions, such as seasonal jobs. Quarterly Bonuses/Commission: You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue — directly or indirectly — and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits. Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/. In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs. Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful drug screen and criminal background check, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

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Company: Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. 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 has 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.