Principal R&D Engineer - FEA

Job Title: Principal R&D Engineer - FEA

Location: Simpsonville, SC

Reports To: R&D Engineering Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

Seniority Level: Senior Level

Industry: Manufacturing | Mechanical Power Transmission Components | Engineering Services

Job Function: Engineering | Research & Development

Job Summary: The Principal R&D Engineer will act as a principal engineer for the team to drive improved decision-making skills and advanced educational development for team members. This individual will lead major multi-phase R&D projects and teach less skilled colleagues to improve overall R&D team performance. The role maintains awareness of state-of-the-art technology, as well as Dodge products and technologies, and identifies and understands technical drivers for R&D projects. The Principal R&D Engineer understands what creates customer value in own R&D projects and project portfolio, works to improve operations, increase customer satisfaction, and provides consulting services to business operations and customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Excellence

• Act as a senior engineer for the team to drive improved decision-making skills and advanced educational development for team members.
• Act as the technology leader for large multi-phase new product development projects that require advanced R&D and project management skills.
• Innovate and implement industry-leading technologies to solve identified challenges within a problem statement that can be incorporated into assigned products and/or processes.
• Demonstrate sound fundamental technical proficiency in own competence area.
• Emphasis on critical thinking, root cause analysis, and problem solving.

Innovation & Creativity

• Lead the peer team in creating new and innovative solutions that exceed the performance of current technologies.
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial innovative spirit to R&D projects with own unique and creative ideas.
• Propose follow-up projects and activities within own technical area based on new ideas.

Projects, Processes & Tools

• Demonstrate sound understanding of, and actively apply, R&D processes and tools.
• Examples include sound communication capabilities, advanced project management processes, use of 2D and 3D CAD tools, advanced understanding of FEA, and awareness of industry standards applicable to area of expertise.

Knowledge Transfer

• Actively teach own technical/scientific knowledge to less skilled colleagues in applying processes and tools to ensure timely and high-quality results.
• Show solid documentation skills and write technical reports independently.

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Proactively seek to identify opportunities for new or advanced technologies that could be used for product enhancements or new product needs based on problem definition and project scopes.
• Initiate business review of new technology ideas with business team members.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 20 years of engineering experience in the design, analysis, and development of mechanical products or systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in mechanical design principles, including structural mechanics, materials, manufacturing processes, and product development.
• Significant experience performing and interpreting Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Advanced proficiency with commercial FEA software, preferably ANSYS; experience with Abaqus is also acceptable.
• Proven record of technical innovation demonstrated through patents, patent applications, invention disclosures, intellectual property development, or commercialization of new technologies.
• Exceptional mechanical aptitude with the ability to quickly diagnose, analyze, and solve complex engineering problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.
• Significant experience designing metallic products, components, or engineered systems.
• Experience leading design, and technical problem-solving efforts for highly engineered products.
• Recognized industry expertise through publications, patents, conference presentations, technical committee participation, or other professional accomplishments.
• Experience supporting products throughout the entire lifecycle, from concept development through validation, production, and field support.

Physical Demands:

• Extended periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk or computer workstation.
• 5-10% travel to meet with clients or attend meetings (overnight travel as needed).
• Ability to type, reach, and grasp.
• Able to carry, lift, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Reach, climb, crawl, walk.
• Speak and present in person or virtually to individuals and small groups.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as the organizations principal technical expert for mechanical design, analysis, and engineering problem solving.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple product lines, development programs, and engineering disciplines.
• Mentor engineers at all levels, helping to elevate technical capabilities throughout the organization.
• Lead the resolution of the most challenging engineering and design issues.
• Drive innovation through the creation of new technologies, product concepts, and intellectual property.
• Conduct and oversee advanced analytical evaluations, including structural, thermal, fatigue, and nonlinear FEA studies.
• Establish engineering best practices, design methodologies, and analytical standards.
• Review and approve critical engineering analyses, designs, and technical recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, product management, testing, and research organizations to ensure successful product development.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, materials, analytical methods, and industry best practices.

Why Join Us?

• Work alongside a collaborative, experienced leadership team.
• Be part of an industry leader with a strong brand reputation and an innovation-driven culture.