R&D Product Development Specialist

DPR Construction•Raleigh, NC

69d•$80,497 - $137,995

About The Position

The R&D Product Development Specialist supports the development of new ideas and solutions through the R&D development cycle, from concept discovery and evaluation through feasibility testing, prototype coordination, and transition to production or implementation. The Specialist works cross-functionally with DPR's internal workgroups, Family of Companies entities, and external partners to help transform early ideas into validated, buildable solutions that align with business needs. This role emphasizes design collaboration, engineering coordination, and the application of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles to support product development efforts with a primary focus on prefab systems and components. Once R&D projects reach completion, this role supports the handoff process, ensuring they are effectively transitioned back into the business for potential implementation. This is a growth-oriented role designed for a motivated professional with strong communication skills, curiosity, and the ability to both facilitate and contribute to hands-on product development efforts.

Responsibilities

Facilitate the concept discovery and evaluation of new R&D ideas and support their advancement through the development process, from feasibility to design, testing, and market analysis, with attention to constructability, manufacturing efficiency, and DFMA principles.
Support the handoff of R&D projects once they reach MVP stage, ensuring smooth transition into the business, whether through an internal workgroup, a Family of Companies entity, or an external partnership agreement.
Facilitate workshops, such as design thinking, ideation, or concept development sessions, to support employees in refining ideas and exploring potential R&D solutions.
Perform or coordinate market and feasibility analysis for R&D projects as needed, understanding project concepts, preparing reports, guiding others in research needs, and reviewing reports for completeness and gaps.
Collaborate with engineers, designers, and technical experts to plan prototypes, evaluate design approaches, and coordinate testing and validation for solutions that support prefabrication and efficient assembly.
Collaborate across the R&D development cycle, from defining project requirements to delivering validated designs ready for production or prefabrication.
Collaborate in designing, managing, and optimizing the R&D workflow to evaluate, prioritize, and track research and development projects across the DPR Family of Companies.
Lead the yearly internal R&D tax credit documentation process in collaboration with the Corporate Tax Team and consultants, coordinating with all Family of Companies to ensure accurate capture and reporting of eligible R&D activities.
Leverage new technologies and digital tools to improve efficiency and create user-friendly processes that make it easy for employees to engage with R&D.
Prepare progress reports, track KPIs, and support data-driven insights to communicate R&D project outcomes, resource utilization, and overall program health to stakeholders.
Support cost, budget, and documentation tracking for R&D projects.
Support cross-functional relationships with outside vendors, academic institutions, and research organizations that align with DPR's core values, business goals, objectives, and strategy.
Partner with DPR workgroups (Construction Technology, Self Perform, Prefab, Operations, and others) to prioritize and align R&D projects with business needs, and once complete through the R&D process, prepare for effective handoff to the appropriate teams for implementation.
Participate in Corporate team meetings, workshops and initiatives; will require travel outside of your region.
Promote and lead a culture of Innovation within DPR's Family of Companies, building relationships with regional leadership, project teams, and craft personnel.