Research & Development - R&D Design Engineer 3

EFCO Forming & Shoring Solutions•Des Moines, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Design Engineer develops the next generation of EFCO products by translating concepts into production-ready designs. The role takes products through prototyping, testing, and field trials, then collaborates with the New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer to hand them off to production. The Design Engineer coordinates with the R&D team and ensures designs meet safety, quality, and performance standards. The position is responsible for developing practical, low-risk designs that improve performance, usability, and manufacturability; owning design projects from concept through field trial; coordinating with Manufacturing, NPI, and Quality; and supporting testing and field trials. The role also guides junior engineers and technicians, maintains design standards and best practices, and helps capture lessons learned to accelerate team performance and reduce rework. This is a full-time, regular, exempt position reporting to the R&D Team Lead, with no supervisory responsibility. Travel is minimal, stated as 5%–15%. The role is classified as onsite and requires the ability to regularly perform job functions at the company office or designated worksite. The physical demand level is light, with occasional exertion of up to 20 pounds and additional listed physical and environmental demands.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Civil, or a related Engineering discipline.
At least 4 years of relevant engineering experience.
Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) or international equivalent.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and planning skills.
CAD and product design skills.
Proficiency in standard office software.

Nice To Haves

7 or more years of relevant engineering experience.

Responsibilities

Develop next-generation products and practical, low-risk design solutions that enhance performance, usability, and manufacturability.
Translate concepts into efficient, production-ready designs, emphasizing speed to prototype and validation.
Balance design improvements with project timelines and prioritize timely delivery.
Own design projects from concept through field trial, driving rapid execution, iteration, progress, and decision-making.
Develop designs with practical application and scalability in mind.
Work closely with Manufacturing, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Quality teams.
Provide design support during testing and field trials.
Clearly communicate design intent and maintain it throughout the project lifecycle.
Guide and support junior engineers and technicians on rapid development projects.
Maintain design standards, best practices, and lessons learned to accelerate team performance and reduce rework.
Participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities.