R&D Design Engineer (HVAC/R Specialty) - PWS

Job Description:

The R&D Design Engineer is responsible for the research, design, development, testing, and validation of precision welding systems including laser and advanced arc welding systems. This role will serve as a key mechanical and thermal engineering contributor within the R&D team, working closely with electrical, optical, software, welding/application, and other engineering functions to develop and demonstrate new technologies and product concepts.

The engineer will also collaborate closely with the New Product Development (NPD) team to mature R&D concepts, establish robust engineering solutions, and support an effective transition from technology development into product development and commercialization. The role may interface with manufacturing, suppliers, sales, and service as needed to incorporate manufacturability, customer, and field considerations into the design.

The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical design capabilities with expertise in thermal systems and cooling technologies, a hands-on approach to prototype development and testing, and the ability to translate early-stage concepts into validated engineering solutions suitable for transition to product development.

Essential Responsibilities:

- Design and develop mechanical and thermal systems for next-generation laser and advanced arc welding technologies.
- Collaborate with electrical, optical, software, welding/application, and other R&D engineers to develop integrated system concepts and solutions.
- Develop and build prototypes and proof-of-concept systems to evaluate new technology and design approaches.
- Perform engineering analysis, calculations, simulations, and technical assessments to guide design decisions and resolve technical risks.

- Develop thermal management and cooling solutions for laser sources, power electronics, optics, and other high-power system components.

- Participate in system architecture development, technology trade-off studies, and design reviews.
- Create engineering models, drawings, bills of materials, test plans, and technical documentation appropriate to the maturity of the R&D design.
- Evaluate and work with suppliers and technology partners on new components, materials, and technologies.

- Collaborate with NPD engineering teams to mature validated R&D solutions and support effective technology transfer into product development.

- Work with suppliers to identify and qualify components and materials.
- Support regulatory and industry compliance requirements.

- Interface with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, sales, and service as needed to incorporate manufacturability, compliance, customer, and field considerations into technology development.

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Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in: HVAC/R Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Or related engineering discipline

- 3+ years of engineering, product development, or equipment design experience.
- Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or similar.
- Understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermal management.
- Experience creating engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with industrial equipment, automation systems, welding equipment, laser systems, power electronics, or thermal management systems.
- Knowledge of cooling systems including: Liquid cooling
- Chillers
- Heat exchangers
- Pumps
- Air-cooled systems

- Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
- Knowledge of FMEA, root cause analysis, and design validation methodologies.
- Familiarity with welding processes including: Laser welding
- GMAW (MIG)
- GTAW (TIG)

- Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Desired Characteristics:

- Hands-on problem solver with strong technical curiosity.
- Strong analytical thinker who can translate engineering fundamentals into practical solutions.

- Comfortable working with ambiguity and iterating through early-stage technology development.

- Effective cross-functional collaborator with a system-level engineering mindset.

- Self-directed, accountable, and motivated to learn and explore new technologies.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.