R&D Engineer

Description:

The R&D Engineer blends technical design, manufacturing process knowhow, and supplier/contract manufacturing management. You will write product specifications, produce manufacturing ready technical drawings, interpret inspection reports, and ensure global manufacturers produce cable to specification, on time and on budget. This role partners closely with Product Management, Sourcing, Operations and Quality. An engineering degree is preferred but not strictly required if the candidate has direct cable manufacturing experience or demonstrable experience interpreting cable designs.

Responsibilities

Specification & Technical Documentation

• Write clear, complete cable specifications covering electrical, mechanical, materials, environmental and performance requirements.
• Create and maintain manufacturing ready technical drawings and cross section schematics (dimensioned views, conductor geometry, layering, tolerances).
• Produce and control BOMs, test procedures, acceptance criteria and change notices.

Product Development, R&D & Testing

• Lead product development projects and research activities for low and medium voltage products and accessories.
• Design and execute samples, qualification testing, and reliability assessments.
• Partner with Product Management to identify gaps and opportunities; translate customer requirements into product technical requirements.
• Maintain control plans and inspection points during ramp and sustain phases.

Supplier Management

• Communicate technical requirements and drawings to suppliers; confirm tooling, process controls and documentation are in place.
• Qualify, manage and audit global contract manufacturers to ensure capability, traceability, and adherence to specifications.
• Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement with suppliers when nonconformances occur.
• Interpret supplier inspection and test reports (dimensional, electrical, environmental, HIPOT, continuity, resistance, etc.) and decide accept/reject, containment, and corrective actions.
• Support failure analyses; lead or contribute to root cause analyses and 8D responses.
• Ensure documentation and traceability meet internal and regulatory requirements.

Cross functional Collaboration & Commercial Support

• Work with Sourcing to evaluate material/process tradeoffs that affect cost, lead time and performance; provide technical justification during supplier discussions.
• Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing: technical datasheets, sell sheets, training, and customer visits to support launches.
• Represent Amphenol TPC at industry standards discussions and provide input for compliance to relevant standards (UL, CSA, as applicable).

Requirements:

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or related) preferred; MSc a plus. Equivalent hands on cable manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Minimum 2+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, product development, or R&D. Candidates with direct cable manufacturing experience (or experience interpreting cable designs and supplier inspection reports) are strongly preferred; such candidates with 1+ years may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to write technical specifications and produce or annotate detailed technical drawings. CAD proficiency (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Hands on experience with sample approvals and qualification testing.
• Proven experience interpreting inspection/test reports and driving supplier corrective actions.
• Experience coordinating with global manufacturers and managing supplier quality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to clearly convey technical requirements to suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Proficient with Excel a plus.
• Commutable to Macedonia, OH and in office at least 3 days per week.
• Willingness to travel (~25%), including supplier visits.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred qualifications

• Prior work experience specifically within wire & cable manufacturing or cable engineering roles.
• Familiarity with cable materials (conductors, insulations, jackets, shielding) and common test equipment/procedures.
• Experience with supplier audits, quality systems and corrective action methodologies (8D, root cause analysis).
• Project management skills and experience using PLM/ALM tools.

Core competencies

• Technical attention to detail: produces precise specifications and manufacturable drawings.
• Practical engineering judgment: balances performance, cost and manufacturability.
• Supplier engagement and influence: professional communication and ability to drive supplier compliance.
• Problem solving and execution: rapid root cause identification and corrective action management.
• Cross functional collaboration: effective with sourcing, quality, operations and product teams.
• Customer focus: supports sales and customer technical needs with clarity and responsiveness.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position with standard office hours.
• Flexibility may be required to support executive schedules, events, or urgent priorities.
• This position is eligible for the hybrid schedule of 3 days in office per week.

TPC Wire & Cable Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.?