R&D Engineer

Landscape Structures Inc.

Landscape Structures Inc. has been the leading manufacturer of commercial playground equipment in the world for more than 50 years. Our employee-owned company designs community and school playgrounds that encourage kids of all ages and abilities to learn persistence, leadership, competition, bravery, support, and empathy through play. Landscape Structures pushes the limits—of design, inclusion, and play—to help kids realize there is no limit to what they can do today and in the future. For a better tomorrow, we play today.

Position Summary

Responsible for exploring and developing early stage product and process ideas through engineering design, experimentation, and prototype development. This role designs, builds, and tests concepts to evaluate feasibility and reduce technical risk.

This position requires a hands on iterative engineering approach where ideas are quickly translated into physical prototypes to understand what works, what fails, and what should move forward. The fail fast and move on to find solutions and learning is required in this position.

Communicates findings and technical direction with internal teams across the organization to help define solutions that can transition to final development.

Lsi Core Values

These values are more than just words on the wall. They guide our decisions and how we support one another.

Innovation

• Encourages creativity and innovation.
• Seeks new knowledge and solicits different perspectives.
• Works comfortably in situations without clear boundaries.
• Embraces change and promotes acceptance of change in others.

Commitment and Passion

• Communicates the department vision, strategic direction and purpose.
• Rallies support behind the vision; inspires and motivates others to share the vision and works towards its achievement.
• Demonstrates an authentic dedication to their employees and the contributions each of them make.

Integrity

• Sets high standards for individuals and teams and communicates their achievements.
• Leads by example – walks the talk during even difficult times. "Acts" each day congruent with what is "said" to be important.
• Generates trust by following through, keeping promises, and respecting individuals.

Teams and Relationships

• Acts as a coach and facilitator to individuals and teams.
• Establishes positive working relationships throughout the organization.
• Sets clear expectations for individuals and groups; monitors as appropriate to meet business objectives.
• Develops strategies to influence others toward department and/or company goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop design concepts and prototype solutions for new product and manufacturing ideas across multiple product areas.
• Create mechanical designs and layouts using 3D CAD software.
• Build and assemble prototypes using fabrication methods including welding, machining, and mechanical assembly.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate feasibility, performance, and durability.
• Translate project goals into practical engineering solutions with limited direction.
• Research materials, fabrication techniques, and technologies to support development.
• Explore alternative approaches to solve technical challenges.
• Communicate technical findings and development progress with internal teams.
• Document prototype designs, testing results, and lessons learned.
• Maintain organized records of prototype builds and experiments.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Attributes

• Creativity with the ability to generate new ideas and explore alternative solutions.
• Independence and the ability to work effectively with minimal direction.
• Strong problem solving skills and the ability to develop practical engineering solutions.
• Curiosity and willingness to investigate multiple ways to solve problems.
• Hands on engineering capability including designing, fabricating, and modifying prototypes.
• Adaptability when working in evolving project environments.
• Mechanical knowledge including machines, materials, and fabrication processes.
• Working knowledge of design utilizing all LSI materials and processes (fab/weld, rotational molding, permalene, etc.)

Qualifications

• Experience in product development, fabrication, manufacturing engineering, or prototype development.
• 5+ years of related experience.
• Hands on experience with fabrication methods such as welding, machining, forming, and mechanical assembly.
• Knowledge of common manufacturing processes including fabrication, welding, machining, and assembly.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documents.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Experience working in manufacturing or product development environments preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The starting target salary range is $90,000 - $117,000, depending upon qualifications and experience. The posted pay range reflects the expected compensation for a fully qualified candidate. Starting pay may be above or below this range based on job-related factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and training needs.

In addition to base salary, the compensation package also includes eligibility for a profit-sharing opportunity. Additionally, for eligible full-time employees, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits; vacation and paid holidays; 401(k) retirement plan and employee stock ownership plan.

Employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background screening, conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Landscape Structures is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Landscape Structures participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. See more here.