R&D Engineer

Powell•Houston, TX

About The Position

The R&D Engineer develops designs for existing and new product lines at Powell, whose products include vacuum circuit breakers, monitoring, sensing and control electronics, communications and software systems, switchgear, motor control, and safety-focused enclosure systems. The role includes opportunities to model and validate designs at a Houston-area manufacturing facility with a prototyping shop and UL-certified high-voltage and high-current laboratory. The position does not allow sponsorship. The engineer develops designs that meet performance, cost, quality, and time-to-market goals; determines and documents design parameters; and participates in product validation, testing, and the Product Development Process. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams and supports Sales/Product Management and Manufacturing on new products and processes. Occasional overnight travel of 10%–20% is required. Work is typically performed in a normal office environment, with some work in manufacturing shops and an electrical test lab.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Power Engineering.
At least 4 years of progressive experience in engineering design and/or development on technical and innovative projects.
Strong discipline-specific technical knowledge: electrical schematics, wiring, circuit breakers, instrument transformers, distribution systems, and low- or medium-voltage power systems; or molded components or mechanism design, castings, and metal-fabricated parts.
Working knowledge of electromechanical product design and development.
Working knowledge of switchgear and/or controls.
Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team, including electrical, civil, mechanical, fabrication, operations, and sales.
Ability to explain ideas and concepts to people with diverse specialties and backgrounds.
Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively; self-motivated and self-managing.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving ability.
Experience using computers and Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, or equivalents.
Ability to write and edit technical documents, test reports, engineering standards, and industry technical papers.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to respond quickly to strategic and tactical changes.
Occasional overnight travel of 10%–20% is required.
Must have legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Experience with medium- or high-voltage electrical power systems.
Experience creating and reviewing DFMEA and PFMEA processes and documents.
Experience developing projects within a Stage-Gate Process.
Participation in industry organizations, such as associations or standards committees, to stay informed about and influence industry activities.

Responsibilities

Propose concepts and develop complex designs for existing and new product lines.
Develop designs that meet profit, cost, quality, and time-to-market metrics.
Determine and specify design parameters, validate designs according to standards, and prepare documentation.
Investigate patentable concepts.
Participate in validation and testing of components, systems, or assemblies.
Develop test plans based on D/PFMEA, project specifications, industry standards, and reliability and validation requirements for internal and external laboratories.
Participate in laboratory testing, analyze data, and create corrective action plans.
Ensure project designs meet specification and standards requirements while promoting error-proof assembly.
Prepare written documentation of processes, material requirements, test results, and project activity.
Understand and enforce regulatory document requirements.
Interface with outside vendors, consultants, and customers.
Work with third-party vendors to develop high-quality, lowest-cost design options.
Continuously improve engineering processes, including DFX, project and product costs, quality, and project lead times.
Collaborate with and provide engineering support to Sales/Product Management and Manufacturing on new products and processes.
Participate in and facilitate the Product Development Process.