Staff R&D Mechanical Engineer

About the role

We’re looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success – and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers with inventive electrical solutions. Our nVent CADDY team in Solon, Ohio is a center of engineering excellence seeking a staff mechanical engineer who will lead engineering projects across the CADDY portfolio of fastening, seismic bracing, electrical fixing, datacom support, and structural attachment solutions. This role will be a technical leader within the team, driving innovation, mechanical design decisions, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver for the CADDY business. The position has a direct impact on portfolio vitality, product roadmap acceleration, revenue growth, and strengthening nVent’s global competitiveness in electrical fastening technologies.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Ownership & Sustaining Engineering: Serve as the technical leader for assigned CADDY products; drive engineering excellence through design standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives; lead cost-reduction, value-engineering, supplier transition, and risk-mitigation projects; resolve technical issues related to manufacturing, quality, compliance, and field performance.
• Product Line Expansion: Lead development and execution of product line extensions; understand installation practices and application requirements within electrical, mechanical, datacom, and construction environments; manage product line extension activities from concept through commercialization; coordinate prototype development, testing, design validation, and certification activities; partner with Product Management to accelerate portfolio growth and roadmap execution.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead global, cross-functional project teams to achieve business objectives; facilitate design reviews, FMEAs, risk assessments, and engineering decision making; collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing, Lab Team, Approvals team, Product Management, and Sales teams; support successful product launches, production transfers, and supplier qualifications.
• Technical Expertise: Mentor engineers and cross-functional team members through technical coaching, design reviews, and knowledge sharing; develop robust product specifications, test methods, and validation plans; validate design changes using analytical techniques, prototyping, and laboratory testing; ensure compliance with applicable building codes, agency certifications, and industry standards such as UL, FM, and CSA; participate in codes and standards committees and advocate on behalf of the company.
• Customer & Business Engagement: Act as a subject matter expert for customers, sales teams, and channel partners; participate in customer visits and technical reviews to understand application challenges and identify growth opportunities; support business case development and prioritization of engineering investments; observe product installation in the field and translate contractor feedback into a holistic understanding of customer needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Ideally 7+ years of proven experience in a related engineering field

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficient in SolidWorks assemblies, modeling, drawings, and PDM/PLM systems
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design practices for progressive die stamping, wire forming, spring steel components, cold forming, welding, and assembly automation
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASTM, material codes, and UL or FM
• Able to manage multiple projects in fast-paced, self-directed environments, and communicate effectively—both in-person and virtually
• Ability to travel up to 20% for customer support and off-site testing, as needed

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance
• A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan — both include a company match
• Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program,