Sr. R&D Engineer - Medium Voltage

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM); Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) in Franklin, TN, seeks an R&D Mechanical Engineer to lead and collaborate on the design, testing, and certification of innovative electrical power products.

This role demands strong engineering fundamentals and the ability to drive the product development process with limited direction. The successful candidate will lead NPI efforts, develop detailed designs and BOMs, coordinate with NRTL, and ensure effective testing and validation across labs and internal teams.

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.
• Design experience using SolidWorks to produce 3D models is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Leader for New Product Development Projects from project initiation through production implementation.
• Coordinate with NRTL to define product evaluation and certification scope.
• Lead the creation of detailed design drawings, 3D models and BOMs for prototype equipment and test articles.
• Develop and document test plans according to relevant standards and support testing in-house and at third-party labs.

Skills

Project leadership

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

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.

Position Summary

The 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.
• Work with Mechanical Designers.
• Conduct failure analyses of existing products and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Competencies

• 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 a 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.