Mechanical Engineer III-R&D

Job-ID: 107157Category: EngineeringLocation: Chicago, IL, United StatesWorkplace: On-siteSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-09-03As an S&C Electric team member, you’ll work on projects that have real-world impact. You’ll help transform the grid for resilient and reliable power worldwide. S&C has more than a 100-year history of innovation and has been 100% employee-owned since 2012. We continue this legacy as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in the electrical industry. You will advance a safer, more reliable, and more resilient electrical grid. Our products help the grid adapt to severe weather and transition to clean energy. We’re big enough to be a respected industry leader but small enough for you to impact our company directly. Our commitment gives you opportunities to impact on and off the job positively. Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow’s energy challenges and become an employee-ownerHours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Mon-Fri) On-Site CompensationAt S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, and we are committed to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated annual base salary range for this position is $106,073 - $140,549. Individual pay within this salary range is determined by several compensable factors, including performance, knowledge, job-related skills and experience, and relevant education or training. This role is also eligible for S&C’s annual incentive plan (AIP), subject to eligibility criteria.Join Our Team as a Mechanical Engineer III !Are you passionate about Technology Breakthrough and Innovation? S&C Electric Company is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Technology Breakthrough and Innovation team. As a Mechanical Engineer III, you’ll be crucial in ensuring continued innovation and supporting our diverse team.The Mechanical Engineer III demonstrates strong technical expertise in mechanical and electromechanical systems. They lead complex problem-solving efforts and mentor junior engineers during technology development or new product conceptualization. Key Responsibilities:Research and TechnologyDrive basic and applied research initiatives to advance technology concepts and components for current and future product offerings. Document findings and report insights to support design decisions to further product roadmaps. Identify opportunities to apply emerging technologies and practices to advance departmental capabilities and product innovation. Simulation & Technical AnalysisApply mechanical knowledge to design and analyze components and systems. Conduct stress and strain evaluations, tolerance analysis, and validation testing. Proficiency with ANSYS Mechanical, or comparable engineering tools and simulation software to solve complex design challenges. Design & Documentation Create mechanical designs from concept to production using CAD tools. Ensure accuracy and completeness of engineering schematics and documentation. Proficient knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to engineering drawings. Communicate directly with suppliers or prototyping services with design documentation. Cross-Functional CollaborationParticipating in cross-functional project teams supporting new product development and commercialization of medium voltage switchgear and electrical distribution. Collaborate with Insulation Technology, Vacuum Interrupter, Electronics and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure designs are feasible and optimized for production. Use tools to manage documents, track progress and support team communication. New Product DesignOversee the creation of new products by developing electromechanical concepts and refining designs for performance, cost, and manufacturability. Assist in prototyping development, design validation and leading design reviews with cross-functional teams. Continuous ImprovementParticipate in Mechanical Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) for electromechanical subsystems. Identify potential failure modes, assess risks, and recommend design or process improvements to mitigate oversights in design. Technical MentorshipMentor and guide more junior engineers, provide technical guidance, and drive brainstorming sessions. Act as the go-to resource for resolving design and component-related issues. ComplianceUnderstand and comply with all applicable company policies and rules. What you’ll Need to Succeed:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.5+ years of experience in Mechanical Engineering. Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills. Strong proficiency in CAD and FEA tools such as Solid Edge, ANSYS, or comparable. Proven track record of creating production drawings in accordance with ASME GD&T principles and executing tolerance stack-up analysis for assemblies to ensure proper mechanical clearances. Proven experience with various manufacturing technologies and methods such as CNC machining, metal casting, thermoset compression molding, and injection molding utilized within the electric power industry. Broad experience with mechanical and electromechanical systems and component-level design such as spring mechanisms and magnetic actuators. Strong and effective problem-solving skills and ability to communicate across some levels of the organization related to supply-chain, production and quality. Interpersonal skills to establish meaningful relationships built on mutual trust and respect, and foster collaborative working relationships amongst a diverse audience. Demonstrated communication skills (written, verbal, listening and presentation), able to partner with and communicate with customers, both technical and non-technical. Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the quality function. Effective project planning skills, coordinating internal and external resources, and the ability to balance critical priorities. Sound business sense and analytical skills with the ability to use and analyze data to drive informed actions, solve complex problems and drive learning. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines, including the flexibility to work extended hours when necessary. Strong desire to succeed with a sense of urgency and a "make it happen" attitude. Strong computer skills including the ability to use the Microsoft Office Suite including MS Project and Power BI paired with strong data analysis skills. Preferred:Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Certification in Project Planning. Experience using oscilloscopes or data acquisition systems to collect electrical or mechanical test data. Experience designing and developing medium-voltage power distribution equipment, such as reclosers, sectionalizers, fault interrupters or switchgear. Knowledge of IEE and IEC standards governing high-voltage and high-power testing of medium-voltage power distribution equipment. No fixed deadline#LI-KD1About the organizationIn the (Engineering, Design) department, we are responsible for creatively addressing customers' needs, pioneering industry changes, and understanding each step, from R&D to production. We strive to not only solve the unique challenges our customers face today, but to create breakthrough technologies enabling them to effectively navigate the demands of the grid of tomorrow. As S&C innovates for reliability, progress, and longevity, our work continues S&C's legacy of creating game-changing technology and advancing the energy industry.About the companyIn 1909, S&C Electric Company transformed the delivery of safe, reliable electricity with the invention of the Liquid Power Fuse. Today, as the world faces extreme weather events and the demand for electricity grows, S&C continues to innovate and advance the electrical grid, ensuring reliable and resilient power for homes, communities, and critical infrastructure around the world.With a diverse, global workforce and core values around integrity, safety, and quality, S&C is a trusted industry leader and top workplace that offers meaningful careers to more than 3,500 team members. As a people-first organization, S&C is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace where team members advance their careers through robust talent-development programs and involved leadership. S&C’s deeply rooted belief diversity fosters greater creativity, innovation, and success guides the company to advance and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture. S&C provides a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical & Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, , Health Savings Account (HSA), Group Life Insurance, optional Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance, Wellbeing Resources including Employee Assistance Program and Family Forming Benefits (i.e., Adoption and Fertility support)Leave Benefits: Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Holidays and Company Shutdown days, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves, Paid Parental Time and Military LeaveRetirement Benefits: 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOP) offering traditional and Roth 401(k) options and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) component; KSOP participants can receive annual ESOP company contributions of over 11% of eligible earnings (3% Core, up to 3.5% Match, Variable Periodic).