Staff R&D Mechanical Engineer

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

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE IN THIS POSITION:

Portfolio Ownership & Sustaining Engineering

• 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.

Product Line Expansion

• 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.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead global, cross-functional project teams to achieve business objectives.
• Facilitate design reviews, FMEAs, risk assessments, and engineering decision making.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing, Lab Team, Approvals team, Product Management, and Sales teams.
• Support successful product launches, production transfers, and supplier qualifications.

Technical Expertise

• 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.

Customer & Business Engagement

• 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.

YOU HAVE:

• 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 manage multiple projects in fast-paced, self-directed environments, and communicate effectively—both in-person and virtually.
• Ability to travel up to 20% for customer support and off-site testing, as needed.

WE HAVE:

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.

Core values that shape our culture and drive us to deliver the best for our employees and our customers. 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.

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.

At nVent, we connect and protect our customers with inventive electrical solutions. People are our most valuable asset. Inclusion and diversity means that we celebrate and encourage each other’s authenticity because we understand that uniqueness sparks growth.

#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.