R&D Engineer

Overview:

The R&D Engineer is a crucial member of the Failure Analysis and Engineering team responsible for investigating product failures, manufacturing issues, customer complaints, and field returns. Acts as a technical expert in identifying failure mechanisms, determining root causes, and providing data-driven recommendations to improve product quality, reliability, and manufacturing performance. Responsible for conducting failure analysis activities throughout the product lifecycle, supporting customer complaint investigations, manufacturing problem solving, new product development, reliability improvement initiatives, and corrective action implementation.

Description:

• Perform failure analysis on customer returns, warranty claims, manufacturing defects, reliability failures, and field returns.

• Conduct non-destructive and destructive analysis to determine failure modes and failure mechanisms.

• Utilize analytical techniques that may include microscopy, cross-section analysis, material characterization, X-ray inspection, and SEM/EDS when required.

• Prepare samples and perform laboratory investigations according to established procedures and best practices.

• Generate clear and concise technical reports documenting observations, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Support root cause investigations using structured methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and/or Red X.

• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering and Operations teams to resolve complex technical issues.

• Participate in customer complaint investigations and provide technical evidence supporting corrective and preventive actions.

• Support manufacturing sites in resolving scrap, yield, process, and field reliability issues.

• Analyze trends in failure data and identify recurring failure mechanisms or systemic issues.

• Support Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), and Lessons Learned activities through technical findings.

• Contribute to product reliability improvements through failure mechanism understanding and risk reduction recommendations.

• Support validation, qualification, and verification activities by performing technical investigations when failures are identified.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, reliability, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.

• Maintain records, analysis reports, and documentation in compliance with applicable quality management system requirements.

• Follow safety requirements and ensure proper handling of samples, equipment, and materials.

• Work effectively in a cross-functional and global environment supporting multiple manufacturing sites and business units.

Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical field.

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in Failure Analysis, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related technical discipline.

• Hands-on experience performing root cause investigations and failure analysis activities.

• Knowledge of analytical and laboratory techniques such as microscopy, metallography, cross-sectioning, SEM/EDS, X-ray, FTIR, DSC, or related methods.

• Strong understanding of engineering problem-solving methodologies including 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and Fault Tree Analysis.

• Experience supporting customer complaint investigations and corrective action activities.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, product requirements, and engineering documentation.

• Knowledge of quality systems and standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, or AS9100 preferred.

• Experience using statistical software and analysis tools such as Minitab preferred.

• Excellent technical report writing and communication skills.

• Ability to independently manage multiple investigations and prioritize activities.

• Six Sigma Green Belt, Red X, or equivalent problem-solving certification preferred.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Hampton, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hampton,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.