Staff R&D Mechanical Engineer

nVent; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

nVent invites an experienced mechanical design engineer to join our global product development teams. You will guide prototype builds, testing, and external certifications, and lead simulations to validate performance.

You will collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and product management to ensure robust, cost-effective designs for non-metallic components. The role emphasizes DFM/DFA for plastics, material selection based on environmental exposure, and compliance with relevant

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• 8+ years of mechanical design experience with non-metallics in new product development preferred.
• Experience with polymer materials behavior and thermoformed components.

Responsibilities

• Participate in global product development teams with cross-functional partners.
• Guide prototype builds, testing, and external certification.
• Lead simulations/analyses (FEA, FMEA) to validate performance and reliability.

Skills

Mechanical design

Non-metallic materials

Materials selection

DFM/DFA for plastics

Regulations & standards

FEA

FMEA

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA

FMEA

Job description

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE IN THIS POSITION

Participation in global product development teams, working closely with manufacturing engineers, supply chain, quality & compliance, and product management Definition and guidance of prototype builds, testing, and external certification; providing hands‑on support as needed Guide simulations and analyses (e.g. FEA, FMEA) to validate product performance and reliability Define and work with validation activities (lab & testing) Collaboration with internal and external fabrication partners to ensure practical and efficient molding and manufacturing processes. Develop and/or coordinate new and existing product designs in support of product development strategies Develop engineering design standard methodologies for optimizing product design to meet design architecture, cost, quality, functionality and reliability A culture of continuous improvement, technology growth and multi‑functional support aligned to meet business and functional objectives Identify as an authority supporting and engaging in the product portfolio and technology roadmap strategies Up to 10% domestic travel required.

YOU HAVE

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, related field, or equivalent experience Ideally 8+ years of mechanical design experience with a strong focus on non‑metallics; new product development (NPI) preferred Proven understanding of polymer and non‑metallic material behavior, including thermoformed components, elastomeric seals/gaskets, and fiber‑reinforced or composite materials Experience selecting materials based on mechanical performance, environmental exposure, flammability, chemical resistance, UV, and aging considerations Understanding of DFM/DFA for plastics, including draft, wall thickness, ribbing, tolerancing, and tooling tradeoffs Familiarity with manufacturing processes for non‑metallic parts, such as molding, extrusion, bonding, over‑molding, and assembly operations Understanding and demonstrated use of navigating regulations, certifications and standards for non‑metallic design in specific environments.

WE HAVE

A dynamic global reach with diverse operations around the world that will stretch your abilities, provide plentiful career opportunities, and allow you to make an impact every day nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of systems protection and electrical connections solutions across industry‑leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation. Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis. Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, ILSCO, SCHROFF and TRACHTE. Learn more at www.nvent.com. Commitment to strengthen communities where our employees live and work We encourage and support the philanthropic activities of our employees worldwide Through our nVent in Action matching program, we provide funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where our employees volunteer or donate money.

Benefits to support the lives of our employees

Benefit Overview At nVent, we value our people and their health and well‑being. We provide a broad benefits package with meaningful programs for eligible full‑time employees that includes: Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short‑term and long‑term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance. A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan — both include a company match. Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back‑up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well‑being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection.

Core values that shape our culture

We’re known for being: Innovative & adaptable Dedicated to absolute integrity Focused on the customer first Respectful and team oriented Optimistic and energizing Accountable for performance.

#LI-OR1 #LI-HYBRID

At nVent, we are committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national, federal, state or local law.