Design Engineer

Design Engineer - Equilibar
Location: Fletcher, North Carolina
Type: Full time • on site • 8am - 5pm
Reports to: Lead Design Engineer, Equilibar

The Position:
The Design Engineer - Equilibar supports development of Equilibar products to serve the fluid control industry. This position develops and maintains product designs, drawings, models, bills of materials, and technical documentation necessary for the successful manufacture, assembly, testing, and long-term support of Equilibar products.
Working within the Engineering Department and reporting to the Lead Design Engineer, the Design Engineer collaborates closely with other departments to improve product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and customer satisfaction. The role combines technical problem-solving, attention to detail, and practical engineering skills to address the needs of both new and existing products throughout their lifecycle.
A significant portion of the role involves developing and maintaining engineering documentation, implementing product improvements, and supporting customer-specific technical solutions. The Design Engineer also contributes to sustaining engineering activities, troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, maintaining engineering standards, and participating in new product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
This position is well suited for a curious engineer who wants to build strong technical expertise and product knowledge while taking on increasing responsibility and contributing to innovative fluid control solutions in a collaborative engineering environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Design, develop, and improve Equilibar products from concept through validation and release, translating customer and product requirements into accurate, manufacturable engineering solutions.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, 3D models, specifications, bills of materials, design records, and engineering changes in accordance with company standards and document control procedures.
• Support existing products and customer applications by investigating technical issues, evaluating product performance, and developing effective engineering solutions.
• Develop prototypes and perform engineering testing and analysis to validate designs, assess performance, and identify technical risks.
• Lead or participate in root-cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts to improve product quality, reliability, manufacturability, and performance.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Sales to address customer requirements, production challenges, technical risks, and business objectives.
• Ensure designs and engineering activities comply with applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and company procedures.
• Contribute to engineering best practices and a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation.
Position requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 0-5 years of experience in related field
Preferred qualifications and characteristics:
• Experience in engineering design or product engineering, preferably within a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of applicable industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements as they relate to pressure vessels.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel, up to approximately 5%
• Organized and detail-oriented, with a structured approach to engineering work.
• Curious and creative, with a willingness to explore new ideas and technical solutions.
• Customer-focused, with an understanding of how engineering decisions affect product performance and customer value.
• Experience and enthusiasm for working cross-functionally with other departments to drive positive outcomes.
Why Join Us
• Build technical expertise and take on increasing engineering responsibility as you grow in the role.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of products serving a variety of applications and emerging markets.
• Work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment where engineers have direct exposure to manufacturing, customers, and real-world applications.
• Participate in new product development and the realization of new product platforms.
Company Profile
Equilibar, based in Fletcher, NC, manufactures specialized valves that enable pharmaceutical, green energy, and research organizations to solve complex fluid control challenges and bring innovative products to market. Equilibar is a Richards Industrials company.
Richards Industrials, founded in 1961, is a manufacturer of pressure regulators, control valves, and other fluid control products. We are known by our customers for high-quality products, excellent customer service, and fast & reliable deliveries. Our products are marketed under several brands, each of which is used in unique applications that require precise technical attributes. The company serves a range of end markets, including pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, chemicals, petrochemicals, and various industrial segments.
The company has two operational locations - Cincinnati, OH and Fletcher, NC - and a global headcount of 190. Equipped with an experienced, passionate team, Richards focuses on driving profitable growth through operational excellence, opening new channels to market, and investing in new products to serve our customers' evolving needs.
Richards Industrials has four Core Values:
• Empowerment - Employees are our most valuable asset
• Collaboration - Together we achieve more
• Pioneering Spirit - Curiosity and innovation are our driving forces
• Service Mindset - Never stop advocating for the Customer
Our purpose is to solve tomorrow's demanding fluid control problems, today.


Richards Industrials and Equilibar firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Ready to apply? Set up an account on the Richards Industrials Careers Portal at Paycom, then sign in, fill out an application and send us your resume.