Strategic Innovation Engineer

Location: Bend, Oregon (on-site with lab/manufacturing access)

Compensation: $147,258–$220,887 DOE + bonus eligible

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Company

HireIQ Solutions is leading the search for a senior engineer at a US manufacturer of engineered-to-order HVAC systems serving data centers, cleanrooms, and healthcare environments. The company designs, fabricates, and tests custom air-handling and cooling equipment with integrated controls—building the majority of each unit in-house for speed, quality, and reliability.

About the Role

As a Strategic Innovation Engineer, you’ll sit within a Strategic Development & Testing group, researching, designing, prototyping, and validating next-generation technologies. You’ll tackle high-complexity challenges across mechanical, electrical, structural, and controls domains; develop technology roadmaps; guide standards; mentor engineers; and translate concepts into manufacturable, code-compliant solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support new product/technology development from concept through prototype test and validation.
• Build and maintain a technology roadmap; scope proof-of-concepts and application pilots.
• Generate proposals for R&D initiatives (objectives, methods, timeline, budget, outcomes) and CAPEX/OPEX recommendations.
• Design and engineer mechanical/electrical/controls subsystems for prototypes; produce drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Plan and execute test programs: test plans, scripts, apparatus; compile/analyze data and issue recommendations.
• Drive cross-functional design reviews for R&D and for complex sales/solutions opportunities.
• Author technical white papers and internal standards; help establish best practices within the systems group.
• Evaluate complex product opportunities for feasibility, profitability, and risk; support customer concept definition.
• Ensure designs meet codes/standards (e.g., AHRI, UL, ASHRAE) and internal quality requirements.
• Mentor solutions/products engineering teams; foster a rigorous, collaborative development culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or related). Master’s preferred.
• 7+ years in product engineering (HVAC/data center cooling or closely related preferred).
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks/Creo) and engineering analysis tools.
• Strong grasp of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Experience with PLM and ERP integration; strong project leadership and communication.
• Able to interpret drawings/specs/industry standards and navigate certification/compliance processes.
• Or a combination of education/experience that delivers equivalent capability.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office and lab/manufacturing settings with regular shop/test-lab visits.
• Exposure to HVAC equipment, moderate noise, and temperature variation; PPE required in designated areas.
• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods; manual dexterity for computer/test equipment; visual acuity to read technical drawings.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative environment with shifting priorities to support sales and customer opportunities.
• Occasional travel for field work, supplier visits, or testing as needed.