R&D Project Engineer III

Stolle Machinery Company•Centennial, CO

7d•$112,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The R&D Project Engineer III is an advanced-level engineering role responsible for leading and supporting complex equipment and manufacturing projects from concept through installation and closeout. This position plans and manages project scope, schedules, budgets, sourcing activities, technical deliverables, customer coordination, installation support, and documentation while working cross-functionally with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and field service. The role is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, provide technical and project leadership, and drive successful project outcomes in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Requirements

Knowledge of GD&T principles and Stolle drawing standards; able to define inspection requirements.
Understanding of material properties and their application to engineering design; including raw material, coating/plating, manufacturing process, lubrication, pneumatic, and vacuum system specifications as applicable.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; capable of root cause analysis, risk analysis, and data-driven decision-making with rapid turnaround time.
Demonstrated project ownership mindset: takes responsibility for outcomes, drives decision-making, manages tradeoffs, and understands how engineering choices impact margin, cost, and overall project financial performance.
Experience working with tool & die makers and/or machine shops.
Capable of writing and facilitating test plans; defining acceptance criteria; executing and analyzing functional and longevity testing.
Experience with DFM and DFMEA analysis; hazard and risk assessment; and supporting compliance documentation (e.g., CE documentation).
Experience with DOE and application to real-world engineering problems.
Solid interpersonal skills with strong technical communication and presentation ability; able to host customer and stakeholder technical conversations as needed.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; excellent time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines and manage project timelines.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; demonstrates resiliency and initiative.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; advanced data analysis skills in Excel or Minitab; able to generate clear documentation (SOPs, training documents, reports).
Working knowledge of ERP processes (e.g., BOM creation/release, change orders, sourcing and purchasing information) to support product development transitions.
Vendor interaction capability (quoting, negotiation, lead time/cost/tolerance discussions) and cross-functional coordination with purchasing, manufacturing, quality, assembly, and field service.
Able to obtain a passport and travel both domestically and internationally, including extended durations and on short notice when needed.
Understanding of Six Sigma principles.
Minimum 8 years of engineering experience.
Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Experience in manufacturing and/or product development environment.
Proven track record of sound engineering judgment, robust documentation, and successful product transition support.

Responsibilities

Lead and support multiple engineering projects simultaneously, ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with customer and company requirements.
Develop project plans, schedules, milestones, resource requirements, and budget forecasts; track performance against plan and proactively address risks, delays, and cost impacts.
Provides project direction within scope by making timely, well-supported decisions; aligns stakeholders, establishes priorities, and drives the financial outcomes of the project through accurate estimating while monitoring material spend.
Manage project budgets, including estimating, cost tracking, reporting, change management, and support for capital or operational spending decisions.
Coordinate advanced sourcing activities for manufacturing operations, including supplier identification, technical evaluation, quote review, lead-time management, and expediting for quick-turnaround requirements.
Work closely with manufacturing, operations, purchasing, and suppliers to ensure materials, components, and outsourced services are available to support build schedules and customer commitments.
Serve as a primary technical point of contact for assigned projects, coordinating engineering activities across design, manufacturing, assembly, quality, service, and installation teams.
Coordinate with customers on project requirements, schedules, technical reviews, readiness for shipment, site preparation, installation planning, and issue resolution.
Participate in customer installations as needed, providing on-site engineering support for equipment startup, troubleshooting, commissioning, validation, and project closeout.
Coordinate with field service personnel before, during, and after installations to align schedules, define responsibilities, communicate technical issues, and support successful customer outcomes.
Prepare, review, and maintain project-related documentation, including procedures, work instructions, technical reports, installation support documents, and lessons learned.
Write and improve standard operating procedures, engineering procedures, and process documentation to support repeatability, quality, safety, and training.
Support design reviews, manufacturability assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives intended to improve cost, lead time, quality, and serviceability.
Identify technical and operational risks and develop mitigation plans to reduce project disruption and improve execution.
Facilitate communication between internal departments and external stakeholders (including customers during field trials) to maintain alignment on priorities, status, constraints, and action items.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to less experienced engineers or project team members as appropriate.
Support proposal development, scope definition, cost estimating, and feasibility assessments for new projects and engineering changes.
Contribute to process improvement efforts across project execution, sourcing, installation readiness, and documentation practices.
Coordinate delivery of individual items and audit project progress against a formalized new product introduction (NPI) process.
Assist in drafting, executing, and evaluating results of engineering tests to validate product performance.
Provide business insights to management based on ERP data to drive improvement to purchasing, procurement, assembly and identify areas for profitability improvement.
Assists in development of test plans, acceptance criteria, and test rigs/fixtures as needed; assists in execution of functional and longevity testing; analyzes and documents results to support sound engineering conclusions.
Supports dimensional/alignment/measurement and inspection activities (as needed) to validate designs and troubleshoot issues.
Supports offsite tests, trials, and field activities as required; including field trial planning/monitoring, site installation coordination, and customer support (domestic and international travel as needed).
Engages with vendors regarding process selection, tolerances, lead times, and cost; identifies/evaluates vendors; supports part quoting, vendor identification, and procurement support.
Supports build activities including part chasing, assembly/manufacturing support, and hands-on fabrication/assembly operations as required to enable rapid learning cycles and solution implementation.
Supports engineering change request evaluation and execution.
Collaborates effectively across departments; demonstrates diplomacy, resiliency, initiative, and a strong propensity to collaborate while contributing to a positive team culture.