Research Development Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

R&D Mechanical Engineer – Stormwater

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Komline Peapack, NJ required

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Position Overview

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Komline is seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer to support the development, testing, and improvement of products for our Stormwater business line. This role will help turn new concepts into practical, manufacturable equipment that captures pollutants, manages stormwater runoff, and improves water quality.

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Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams, this individual will contribute throughout the product development process—from concept design and prototyping through performance testing and production support. The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on experimentation, solving mechanical and fluid-flow challenges, and developing technology with a positive environmental impact.

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This position will initially be based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with an anticipated relocation to Peapack, New Jersey in the near future. Candidates must be willing to make that transition; timing will be discussed during the interview process.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for stormwater treatment equipment, including filtration, separation, and pollutant-capture systems.
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• Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and specifications for prototypes and production equipment.
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• Apply fluid mechanics and mechanical engineering principles to evaluate flow distribution, head loss, structural integrity, and treatment performance.
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• Plan and conduct laboratory and full-scale testing to assess hydraulic capacity, pollutant removal, durability, and maintenance requirements.
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• Build and modify prototypes, set up test equipment, troubleshoot performance issues, and document findings.
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• Analyze test data and recommend design improvements that balance performance, cost, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
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• Collaborate with manufacturing personnel and suppliers to select materials, refine fabrication methods, and support the transition from prototype to production.
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• Improve existing products based on field performance, customer feedback, testing results, and manufacturing needs.
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• Support field evaluations, installations, and troubleshooting to understand how equipment performs under actual operating conditions.
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• Maintain clear records of design revisions, test procedures, results, and technical recommendations.
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• Support product validation and technical documentation for applicable stormwater testing protocols and approval processes.
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• Manage assigned development tasks, schedules, and deliverables while communicating progress across teams.
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Required Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
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• Experience in mechanical design, product development, or applied research through professional work, internships, or substantial academic projects.
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• Working knowledge of fluid mechanics, mechanical design, materials, and engineering calculations.
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• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or a comparable platform.
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• Hands-on experience building prototypes, conducting experiments, or troubleshooting mechanical systems.
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• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into practical design improvements.
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• Ability to prepare and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
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• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
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• Interest in stormwater treatment, water quality, and environmental technology.
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• Willingness to work initially in Chattanooga, TN, and relocate to Peapack, NJ in the near future.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Experience with stormwater, water or wastewater treatment, filtration, or solids separation.
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• Familiarity with hydraulic testing, sediment transport, particle settling, or filtration performance.
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• Experience with sheet metal, welded assemblies, plastics, or other materials used in treatment equipment.
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• Familiarity with design for manufacturing and assembly, tolerances, and fabrication processes.
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• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, and test-stand development.
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• Exposure to computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, or statistical analysis tools.
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• Experience supporting field testing, product validation, or third-party performance evaluations.
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Work Environment and Travel

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This role combines office-based engineering with hands-on work in laboratory, fabrication, and field environments. Occasional travel may be required to support testing, installations, supplier coordination, and collaboration across Komline locations.