Senior Research and Development Engineer – Fasteners, Tools, and Mechanical Anchors

Simpson Strong-Tie•Gallatin, TN

4d•$84,400 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees. Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures. As a Senior Research and Development Engineer, you will have a pivotal role in team success by leading the design and development of innovative fastener installation tools and fasteners from concept through validation.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
7+ years of experience designing mechanical fastening systems, anchors, connectors, tools, or related construction products
Holder of one or more patents related to tool design
Demonstrated ability to lead complex product-development projects from concept generation through validation and handoff to production teams
Strong technical decision-making skills with the ability to balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule objectives
High-level creativity for solving complex mechanical challenges
Expert-level knowledge of mechanical design principles, structural mechanics, and materials behavior
Fluency in the Microsoft 365 environment including SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Copilot
Familiarity with Aras and Planview
Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD modeling (Inventor) and engineering analysis tools
Extensive experience applying FEA and simulation techniques to support design decisions and product validation
Strong understanding of experimental design, laboratory testing, statistical analysis, and industry standards such as ASTM
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to create detailed engineering reports, specifications, presentations, and technical recommendations for diverse audiences
Experience with intellectual property development, patent filings, and invention disclosures
Experience leading technical teams, mentoring engineers, and influencing organizational decisions

Responsibilities

Design tools for the construction industry – primarily for the delivery of fasteners. (65%) Analyzing, understanding, and translating project requirements into clear product features, Utilizing CAD, FEA, 3D printing, prototyping, and proof testing to optimize designs, Coordination with vendors, tooling, manufacturing, and quality departments, Collaboration with product management and marketing in the commercialization of products, Preparation of technical documentation, design reviews, and IP related materials
Design structural fasteners for the construction industry. (25%) Extrapolating structural fastener performance concepts into innovative fastener designs, Designing and executing building code based test programs to validate fastener performance, Coordination with vendors, tooling, manufacturing, and quality departments, Collaboration with product management and marketing in the commercialization of products, Preparation of technical documentation, design reviews, and IP related materials
Provide technical support for manufacturing and quality control. (10%) Analysis of problems and development of solutions to manufacturing challenges.