Lead R&D Engineer - Low Voltage

About IEM

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) is the largest independent full-line manufacturer of custom power distribution systems in North America. Founded more than 75 years ago in Fremont, California, IEM grew alongside Silicon Valley and today operates over 1.7 million square feet of manufacturing capacity. With $1B+ in annual sales and 10,000+ commissioned projects across technology, data centers, commercial, energy, utilities, healthcare, industrial, and infrastructure markets, IEM continues to deliver exceptional product quality, dependable service, and the flexibility to meet complex technical requirements at scale.

Position Summary

The Lead R&D Engineer is responsible for managing a team of engineers and leading the design and validation of new low-voltage power distribution products. This role liaises with the Enterprise Team to support Web Giants customers’ needs which involves overseeing complex projects requiring extensive 3D modeling and 2D drafting, ensuring design accuracy and alignment with product requirements. The Lead R&D Engineer drives the development of innovative products that meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer needs while optimizing performance, manufacturability, and cost. Additionally, this role includes direct management of engineers and collaboration with the Engineering Manager to proactively identify and address project and personnel challenges, ensuring successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, verification, and validation of new low-voltage power distribution products, including switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and related components.
• Manage and mentor engineers and designers, providing career guidance, constructive feedback, tracking project timelines, and ensuring quality and efficiency in deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with the Engineering Manager to anticipate potential issues and ensure timely and appropriate resolution.
• Drive team performance to meet project deadlines while minimizing design errors in NPI deliverables.
• Lead the development of mechanical designs to meet specific NPI project requirements.
• Conduct peer reviews and provide constructive feedback to improve design quality and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Supervise and mentor a team of engineers and designers to foster growth and maintain efficient workflow in a collaborative environment. 

   

  New Product Introduction (NPI)

  • Ensure NPI projects comply with customer specifications, industry standards, manufacturability, and internal quality benchmarks.
  • Track project metrics such as time-to-market (TTM), design errors, and revision cycles to identify areas for improvement in collaboration 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 to promote professional growth.
  • Resolve team conflicts to maintain a productive working environment.
  • Assist in training team members on best practices for 3D SolidWorks modeling, 2D AutoCAD drafting, and compliance with design standards.
  • Provide constructive feedback during peer reviews to enhance 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 adjust design standards.
  • Serve as a point of contact for technical inquiries from the operations team.
  • Promote collaboration across multiple engineering and manufacturing sites to align expectations and processes.

Qualifications

• 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. 
• Expertise in low-voltage power distribution systems, including electrical, thermal, and mechanical considerations.
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Experience in design-to-order or custom engineering environments is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with low-voltage switchboards and switchgear, LV panelboards, LV ATSs, MV switchgear, others is a plus.
• Proficiency in sheet metal design, with a focus on manufacturability and cost optimization.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar tools; experience with CFD or FEA is a plus.
• Knowledge of IEEE/ANSI C37.20.1, UL891/1558, UL67 design guidelines, and NFPA 70E is desirable.

Location

This position is available in multiple locations, including Franklin (TN), Tualatin (OR), and Jacksonville (FL)

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers

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