Job Description

IEM (Industrial Electric Mfg.) is the largest independent full-line manufacturer of custom electrical distribution and power quality equipment in North America. IEM is delivering customer-specific solutions to meet the ever-changing power requirements of growth industries across the world. This position offers an exciting opportunity within an innovative, growing company, with a backlog of bookings that go beyond 3 years.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Lead R&D Engineer is responsible for managing group engineers and leading the design and validation of new low voltage power distribution products. This role includes performing and overseeing complex projects that require extensive 3D modeling and 2D drafting while ensuring design accuracy and alignment with project requirements. The Lead R&D Engineer facilitates the development of innovative products that meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer needs while optimizing performance, manufacturability, and cost. Additionally, the Lead R&D Engineer directly manages engineers and collaborates with the Engineering Manager to proactively identify and address project and personnel challenges, ensuring successful outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of new low voltage power distribution products, including switchgear, switchboards, panelboards and related components.
• Responsible for managing and mentoring engineers and designers, providing career guidance, constructive feedback, tracking project timelines, and ensuring quality and efficiency in deliverables.
• Working closely with the Engineering Manager to identify issues quickly and ensure they are addressed in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Driving group on time performance while minimizing design errors for NPI project deliverables.
• Leading the development of mechanical designs to meet NPI project-specific requirements.
• Conducting peer reviews and providing constructive feedback to team engineers to improve design quality and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Mentoring and supervising group engineers and designers to foster team growth and ensure efficient workflow in a collaborative environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

New Process Implementation (NPI):

• Ensure NPI projects comply with customer specifications, industry standards, manufacturability, and internal quality benchmarks.
• Track project metrics such as TTM, design errors, and revision cycles to areas for improvement with the engineering manager.

Technical Leadership and Mentorship:

• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, promoting professional growth.
• Resolve team conflicts to maintain a productive working environment.
• Assist in training team members in best practices for 3D SolidWorks modeling, 2D AutoCAD drafting, and compliance with design standards.
• Provide constructive feedback during peer reviews to improve the team's technical output.

Collaboration and Support:

• Facilitate communication between design and manufacturing teams to align processes.
• Establish a feedback loop with manufacturing engineers to optimize designs for manufacturability and to adjust design standards.
• Act as a point of contact for technical inquiries for the operations team.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across multiple engineering and manufacturing sites to align expectations and processes.

COMPETENCIES:

• Experience in low voltage power distribution systems, including electrical, thermal, and mechanical considerations.
• Experience in leadership and mentoring and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Experience working in a design-to-order or custom engineering environment is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with low voltage switchgear, panelboards, utility systems, or the power industry is preferred.
• Proficiency in sheet metal design, including manufacturability and cost optimization.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar; CFD (Computer Fluid Dynamics) or Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of IEEE/ANSI C37.20, UL891/1558, UL67 design guidelines and NFPA70E are desirable.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate across teams.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, MSME is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in R&D, product development, or a related field within the power distribution industry.
• Demonstrated track record of leading successful engineering projects and developing new technologies.

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