Research & Development - Research Engineer 3

Are you a construction-minded professional with a passion for building and making a lasting impact in the industry? At EFCO, we don't just build concrete structures, we build careers, partnerships, and opportunities. Established in 1934, we deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that make construction safer and more efficient.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, EFCO is a growing, people-focused company committed to Quality, Integrity, Innovation, and Super Service. From engineering and design to manufacturing and field support, we help customers turn vision into reality while achieving the Lowest In-Place Concrete Cost (LIPCC).

Purpose

The Research Engineer 3 is responsible for driving disruptive product innovation by developing new technologies and prototypes that advance EFCO's capabilities. This role takes a concept through prototyping, testing, and field trials, and then collaborates with the New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer for handoff to production. The Research Engineer 3 fosters creativity, rigor, and technical excellence while supporting EFCO's mission of safe, high-quality, and innovative products.

Key Responsibilities

Concept Development & Technical Exploration (25%)

• Identify opportunities for product innovation and improvement.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk analysis, and trade-off evaluations.
• Develop new architecture, materials, or fabrication approaches aligned with EFCO strategic objectives.

Prototype Design & Oversight (25%)

• Lead prototype development from concept to field-ready model.
• Coordinate with CAD designers, R&D technicians, and manufacturing teams.
• Manage iterative design based on testing feedback, maintaining EFCO standards for quality, safety, and manufacturability.

Testing Strategy, Execution, & Analysis (20%)

• Define objectives, success criteria, and test plans for prototypes.
• Oversee prototype testing, analyze results, and identify design improvements.
• Collaborate with the R&D Technician to ensure accurate test setups and documentation.

Field Trial Technical Support (15%)

• Provide technical guidance and support during field trials.
• Evaluate performance, identify real-world failure modes, and document lessons learned.
• Communicate findings to NPI Engineer to support downstream development.

Knowledge Transfer & Handoff (10%)

• Prepare comprehensive handoff packages, including design rationale, open issues, and validated test data.
• Support NPI (New Product Introduction) during early industrialization of new products and consult as needed.

Continuous Improvement & Technical Leadership (5%)

• Contribute to process improvements, best practices, and engineering standards.
• Mentor junior engineers informally and support departmental technical initiatives.

Additional duties may be assigned to meet organizational goals and priorities. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity, may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing, to meet organizational goals and priorities.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Civil, or related Engineering discipline required.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years relevant engineering experience; 8+ years preferred.

• Certification(s) and License(s): Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) or international equivalent required.

• Leadership: Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and planning skills. Experience in innovative product development and technical collaboration.

• Computer Skills: CAD and product design. Proficient in standard office software.

Core Competencies

• Creativity: Generates innovative ideas and solutions that improve outcomes or processes.

• Analysis: Breaks down complex information to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities.

• Resilience: Maintains focus and composure under pressure.

• Collaboration: Works well with others toward shared goals, contributing constructively to team efforts.

• Judgment: Makes sound decisions by evaluating facts, risks, and potential outcomes.

Working Arrangement

• This role will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, IA headquarters.

Physical Demands

Light: Exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly.

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Balancing - maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching, etc.: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers: Occasionally
• Stooping - Bending at the waist: Occasionally
• Sitting/Standing - Must be able to sit or stand as required for extended periods of time: Frequently
• Lifting motions or lifting objects up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Walking: Frequently
• Climbing - Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles etc.: Occasionally
• Hearing: Frequently
• Talking: Frequently
• Capacity to think, concentrate and focus for long periods of time: Frequently
• Ability to read complex documents in the English language: Frequently
• Capacity to reason and make sound decisions: Frequently
• Ability to write complex documents in the English language: Frequently
• Capacity to express thoughts orally: Frequently
• Expertise in:
• Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or designated worksite
• Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises. Etc.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Life and AD&D insurance
• 401k options
• PTO
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program

EFCO Culture and Safety

Act with INTEGRITY by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for QUALITY through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace INNOVATION by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver SUPER SERVICE by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.

At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities. This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any/all injuries - no matter how minor - immediately to their supervisor or manager.

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EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee's employment term, at the sole discretion of management.

Quality | Integrity | Innovation | Super Service