Product Design Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionProduct Deisgn Engineer-R&DLocation: White House, TennesseeCompensation: $80,000–$95,000 annuallyEmployment Type: Direct HireSchedule: On-sitePosition OverviewA 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 staysRequired 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 collaborativelyPreferred 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 experienceInterview Process• Initial phone interview• On-site interview with the hiring teamYou should be proficient in:CAD SoftwareProduct Design ExperienceFinite Element Analysis (FEA)Machines & technologies you'll use:CAD Software (Solidworks, AutoCAD)