Job Description

Product Deisgn Engineer-R&D

Location: White House, Tennessee

Compensation: $80,000–$95,000 annually

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Schedule: On-site

Position Overview

A growing manufacturing organization is seeking an R&D Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and improvement of products used within residential and commercial HVAC and construction applications.

This is a hands-on, design-engineering position with significant involvement in product modifications, prototype development, engineering analysis, and laboratory testing. The R&D Engineer will lead projects through the product-development lifecycle, from initial concept and design through validation and market introduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new products and product families for residential and commercial applications

• Lead product design modifications to improve performance, functionality, manufacturability, quality, and cost

• Organize and lead stage-gate projects for new product development

• Develop concepts, models, engineering drawings, and prototypes using SolidWorks and AutoCAD

• Create and evaluate prototypes using 3D printing, machine shops, internal production resources, and outside vendors

• Perform finite element analysis to evaluate product performance and identify potential design improvements

• Plan and conduct laboratory testing for design verification, validation, and product performance

• Analyze test results and recommend appropriate design modifications

• Apply mechanical engineering principles, sound engineering judgment, and structured problem-solving techniques

• Manage projects from initial concept through production and market introduction

• Translate business and customer requirements into actionable engineering objectives

• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, operations, sales, suppliers, and other internal stakeholders

• Prepare and maintain technical drawings, specifications, reports, test documentation, and project records

• Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes for new and existing products

• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting established deadlines

• Support continuous-improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing and Kaizen activities

• Ensure all work complies with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

• Travel occasionally, including potential overnight stays

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline

• At least three years of relevant product design, R&D, or mechanical engineering experience

• Professional experience using SolidWorks for 3D modeling and product design

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD

• Experience developing, modifying, or improving manufactured products

• Experience with prototype development and product testing

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, laboratory equipment, and measurement tools

• Ability to create and interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation

• Strong project-management, problem-solving, and organizational skills

• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Self-motivated, hands-on approach with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with finite element analysis, preferably SolidWorks Simulation

• Experience developing HVAC equipment, mechanical systems, construction products, piping products, or related equipment

• Experience managing projects from concept through commercialization

• Familiarity with stage-gate or structured new-product-development processes

• Experience with CAD/CAM tools

• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and Kaizen methodologies

• Experience with 3D printing, machine-shop processes, design verification, and validation testing

• Three to five years of related engineering experience

Interview Process

• Initial phone interview

• On-site interview with the hiring team

You should be proficient in:

• CAD Software
• Product Design Experience
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CAD Software (Solidworks, AutoCAD)