Staff R&D Mechanical Engineer

nVent • Houston, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff R&D Mechanical Engineer contributes to global product development, collaborating with manufacturing engineering, supply chain, quality and compliance, and product management. The role develops and coordinates product designs, defines prototypes and validation activities, supports testing and certification, and guides simulations and analyses to verify product performance and reliability. It also works with internal and external fabrication partners to make manufacturing practical and efficient, particularly for non-metallic materials and components.

The engineer develops design methodologies that optimize products for architecture, cost, quality, functionality, and reliability; supports product portfolio and technology roadmap strategies; and contributes to continuous improvement and cross-functional objectives. Up to 10% domestic travel is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of polymer and non-metallic material behavior, including thermoformed components, elastomeric seals and gaskets, and fiber-reinforced or composite materials.
• Experience selecting materials based on mechanical performance, environmental exposure, flammability, chemical resistance, UV exposure, and aging considerations.
• Understanding of design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA) for plastics, including draft, wall thickness, ribbing, tolerancing, and tooling tradeoffs.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for non-metallic parts, such as molding, extrusion, bonding, over-molding, and assembly operations.
• Understanding and demonstrated use of navigating regulations, certifications, and standards for non-metallic design in specific environments.

Nice To Haves

• Ideally 8+ years of mechanical design experience, with a strong focus on non-metallics.
• New product development (NPI) experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in global product development teams and collaborate with manufacturing engineers, supply chain, quality and compliance, and product management.
• Define and guide prototype builds, testing, and external certification, providing hands-on support as needed.
• Guide simulations and analyses, such as FEA and FMEA, to validate product performance and reliability.
• Define and work with laboratory and testing validation activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external fabrication partners to ensure practical and efficient molding and manufacturing processes.
• Develop and coordinate new and existing product designs in support of product development strategies.
• Develop engineering design standard methodologies to optimize product design for architecture, cost, quality, functionality, and reliability.
• Support continuous improvement, technology growth, and multifunctional objectives.
• Serve as an authority supporting and engaging in product portfolio and technology roadmap strategies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Critical illness and accident insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Employee stock purchase plan with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement may be available.
• Caregiver, personal, and parental leave may be available.
• Back-up care services may be available.
• Paid time off, including volunteer time, may be available.
• Well-being program may be available.
• Legal and identity theft protection may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior