R&D Engineer

Company Description

Job Description

Who will you be working with?

L&M Radiator, Inc. is a global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of MESABI cooling and heat transfer solutions custom-engineered for heavy equipment operating in the mining, oil, gas, construction, power generation, rail, and heavy industrial industries. We are committed to developing innovative cooling technologies that improve performance, reliability, and efficiency in some of the world's most demanding environments.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated R&D Engineer to join our Research & Development team. This role is responsible for driving innovation through the design, development, testing, and implementation of new products, manufacturing equipment, automation systems, fixtures, prototypes, and production processes. The R&D Engineer serves as a technical resource across multiple departments, applying engineering principles, creativity, and practical manufacturing knowledge to solve complex challenges and support company growth.

This individual must possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, a deep understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial automation, PLC controls, industrial heating and cooling systems, and machine design. The ideal candidate is comfortable taking projects from concept through implementation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.

The R&D Engineer will manage multiple projects simultaneously, conduct engineering analysis, prepare technical documentation, evaluate manufacturing methods, and lead continuous improvement initiatives. This position reports directly to the R&D Manager and provides regular project updates, technical presentations, and project recommendations to both internal and external stakeholders.

How will you make a difference?

As a member of the R&D Team, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our products, manufacturing processes, and technology initiatives. You will have opportunities to work on innovative projects that support customers around the world while helping improve operational efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing capabilities.

This role offers domestic and international travel opportunities to customer sites, suppliers, industry events, and other L&M facilities. You will collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, sales, operations, and leadership teams to identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement meaningful improvements across the organization.

We are looking for a well-rounded engineering professional who thrives on solving complex technical problems and enjoys turning ideas into practical solutions. The ideal candidate will utilize mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and automation knowledge to design, develop, test, and integrate products and systems supporting gas, battery-electric, diesel, hydrogen, and other emerging technologies within the heavy equipment industry.

This position will be involved in:

• New product development and prototype testing.
• Design and implementation of custom manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Product performance analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigation and resolution of warranty, quality, and reliability concerns.
• Manufacturing process development and optimization.
• Research of emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Cross-functional project management and technical leadership.

Due to the nature of new product development, proprietary technology, and strategic business initiatives, this position requires a high degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.

What do we want to know about you?

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related field, with 5-8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing, industrial, automation, or product development environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMI systems, machine controls, industrial automation, robotics, and vision systems.
• Experience designing and building custom machinery, fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of industrial heating, cooling, fluid systems, heat transfer, and thermodynamic principles.
• Experience integrating electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Proficiency utilizing ERP systems such as Epicor or equivalent manufacturing systems.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Project management experience including budgeting, scheduling, and resource coordination.
• Familiarity with data acquisition, instrumentation, testing equipment, and performance validation processes.
• Experience working within a product development or R&D environment.

What will your typical day look like?

• Design, develop, test, and implement new products, manufacturing equipment, fixtures, tooling, and automated systems.
• Identify manufacturing challenges and develop innovative solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Design and support machine controls utilizing PLC, HMI, sensor, and automation technologies.
• Establish and implement manufacturing procedures, work instructions, and process documentation for new products and equipment.
• Conduct engineering studies, feasibility analyses, root cause investigations, and cost-benefit evaluations.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, purchasing, and operations teams to resolve technical challenges.
• Lead prototype development, testing programs, data collection, and validation activities.
• Design and optimize manufacturing layouts, workflows, and production processes.
• Create engineering drawings, technical specifications, models, and documentation utilizing CAD software.
• Prepare technical reports, project summaries, manuals, testing documentation, and presentations.
• Provide technical support and recommendations regarding equipment selection, sizing, and implementation.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, timelines, and cost estimates.
• Monitor project progress and communicate status updates to management and stakeholders.
• Investigate product performance concerns, warranty issues, and customer applications to identify improvements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding proprietary technologies, products, processes, and business information.
• Attend and participate in daily department meetings and project review discussions.
• Perform work safely and ensure compliance with all company safety policies and procedures.
• Domestic and international travel required, including occasional weekend travel depending on project needs.

What about the physical demands of the job?

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout manufacturing and testing environments.

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing design, documentation, and project management activities.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, kneel, climb, and work around industrial equipment.
• Push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Safely work in manufacturing, testing, laboratory, and field environments.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required for Entry Level:

• Regular, reliable attendance and a strong commitment to safety.
• Exceptional critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with a hands-on approach to engineering and innovation.
• Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial equipment, automation systems, and process improvement.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Knowledge of engineering principles including mechanical design, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, manufacturing processes, and machine design.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of PLC systems, controls integration, automation technologies, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, maturity, and discretion.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset and passion for innovation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and technical reporting tools.
• Experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD design software.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, documentation, project files, and engineering reports.
• Dependability and accountability under both supervised and unsupervised conditions.
• Ability to build positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.

A strong candidate has been identified, but that all interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

You may be asked to perform duties outside of your primary function, for which appropriate training will be provided if necessary.

Wabtec will only employ those legally authorized to work in the U.S. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon successful completion of a drug screen and fitness-for-duty test, as applicable.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $104800-149300 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We're building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we've got you.