R&D Design Engineer

Overview

IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. has built a reputation for over a century by crafting iconic tools and practical technology required in aerospace, data communications, electrical, wire processing and construction. The global family of IDEAL brands includes IDEAL Electrical, Anderson Power, Enatel, and IVRY Technologies.

A vibrant and dynamic company, IDEAL is best known for our wire connectors, the gold standard for making electrical connections around the world. Nearly every commercial jet is assembled using IDEAL wire strippers and, as part of the critical equipment on NASA missions, our tools even help NASA astronauts fly to the moon. Most important, our products benefit skilled tradespeople, who reach for IDEAL tools every day.

IDEAL is propelled by the concept of Building an IDEAL World. Our family-run business is committed to building ideal relationships with customers, employees, and communities by crafting some of our industry’s most innovative and trusted tools.

Responsibilities

The R&D Design Engineer is responsible for researching new technologies and methods and incorporating research findings into development of new product concepts and proof of principle prototypes. This role will carry out activities that include field research, technology research, design, prototyping, and testing. IDEAL products cover a full spectrum of items in the field of Hand Tools, Benders, Fishtapes, Electrical Connectors, Testers, and DataComm devices. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Innovation and Technical Services and work closely with our Product Management and Engineering teams.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Design and develop new product concepts and proof of principle prototypes to achieve the required functionality as set forth by our product criteria and design requirements.
• Research technologies and methods to help achieve product requirements.
• Manage and lead Prototype and proof of principal construction.
• Perform design of experiments to test and evaluate concepts.
• Work closely with the product management team to prototype and refine concepts.
• Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) to create innovative, robust, and reliable designs that provide solutions to our customer’s needs.
• Keep material cost requirements and manufacturing needs in focus as developing new product ideas.
• Perform field evaluations, collect, and analyze data on prototype samples and adjust finished designs as needed.
• Present data and analysis to Engineering and Product Management groups.
• Develop the knowledge of current and anticipated agency requirements (i.e., National Electrical Code (NEC), UL, CSA and applicable industry standards (i.e. ANSI, ASTM).

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 3-5 years mechanical design or R&D experience
• Project management experience
• Working knowledge of materials science and mechanical properties of metals and polymers
• Demonstrated sense of urgency and results-oriented
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite of products including Excel and MS Project
• Strong sense of Creativity and interest in innovation
• Demonstrated sense of urgency
• Results oriented, self-motivated
• Ability to work independently

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience in Voice of Customer (VOC) processes
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead a project and work with a diverse team to drive results
• A creative mindset in design and solutions development
• Attention to detail in design and project planning
• Critical time management and organizational skills
• Project management skills