Research & Development Engineer

About the role

The Research & Development Engineer designs, prototypes, tests, and validates innovative solutions for W‑Industries’ automation, electrification, power generation, and packaged equipment offerings, with a strong focus on low‑voltage (LV) and medium‑voltage (MV) switchgear and motor control center (MCC) systems. This role leads concept development, design‑for‑manufacture, and verification activities while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver reliable, cost‑effective products that meet client and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development, requirements definition, and feasibility studies for new products and system enhancements, including LV/MV switchgear and MCC platforms.
• Design electromechanical assemblies, LV/MV switchgear line‑ups, MCCs, and instrumentation/control solutions using sound engineering principles and best practices for arc‑resistant and metal‑clad/metal‑enclosed equipment.
• Develop equipment layouts for LV/MV switchgear and MCC systems for prototype testing.
• Design and integrate circuit breakers, contactors, soft starters, VFDs, protective relays, transformers, bus systems, and auxiliary equipment for LV/MV switchgear and MCC applications as needed.
• Develop test plans, design of experiments (DOE), and verification/validation protocols for LV/MV switchgear and MCC designs; analyze results and iterate designs based on electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance.
• Produce engineering documentation—drawings, BOMs, specifications, control narratives, and risk assessments—for LV/MV switchgear, MCCs, and integrated packaged solutions.
• Apply DFM/DFA and reliability engineering practices to switchgear and MCC designs; drive cost, footprint, weight, and complexity reductions while maintaining safety and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., UL 1558, UL 891, UL 845, UL 508A, IEEE C37 series, NEC/NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, IEC/ISA, ASME) and client specifications for LV/MV switchgear and MCC systems.
• Prepare technical reports, business cases, and ROI analyses supporting stage‑gate decisions and product roadmaps for new switchgear, MCC offerings, and related packaged equipment.
• Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis of electrical, control, and mechanical issues in LV/MV switchgear and MCC products; implement corrective and preventive actions as needed and encountered during new product testing with UL.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in 3D CAD and drafting tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD Electrical) for switchgear and MCC layouts, assemblies, and schematics.
• Strong knowledge of power distribution fundamentals, including LV/MV switchgear architectures, MCC topologies, short‑circuit analysis, etc.
• Competence in engineering analysis (tolerance stacks, basic FEA, thermal analysis, and reliability concepts) applied to switchgear, MCC structures, and enclosure design.
• Skilled in test planning, DOE, data analysis, and technical report writing for electrical equipment qualification and type testing.
• Excellent problem‑solving, organization, and cross‑functional communication abilities, including coordination with manufacturing, field service, and suppliers.
• Strong knowledge in switchgear design.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in R&D, product development, or advanced engineering within industrial, power distribution, or energy markets and MCC products.
• Knowledge in LV/MV switchgears is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls/Automation Engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional certifications such as EIT/PE, PMP, or other relevant credentials are a plus; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Full‑time employment type.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to walk through project sites, including outdoor, industrial, and electrical equipment environments.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic Life, AD&D, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Voluntary benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Vacation/PTO.

Pay

Salary: $95,000 – $143,000 USD gross annual.

Schedule

Full‑time.