OverviewWe currently seek to fill the position
Principal Engineer in our R&D Department. This role acts as an individual contributor with technical leadership responsibilities to plan and oversee activities related to the successful execution of R&D and new product development projects, including research, concept development, prototyping, design, testing, manufacturing readiness, and risk management. The Principal Engineer serves as a technical authority on assigned products and projects, all while advancing KBC's mission of being a forward-thinking, collaborative, and ethical business. This position works typical office hours (M-F 40 hrs. per week / 8 AM-5 PM or similar schedule). Role is eligible for hybrid work after onboarding is complete (3 days in person / 2 remote).
Responsibilities - Creates technical plans for R&D and NPD projects following design control principles through a stage gate process.
- Oversees new equipment designs and updates.
- Follows technological trends as it relates to Company products.
- Investigates problems with new and existing equipment; devises ways of correcting issues.
- Performs and guides others on how to utilize appropriate analytical tools during the design process, including calculations, FEA, FMEA, DFM/DFA, and AI tools.
- Checks work of other engineers.
- Prepares technical information, test plans, and development reports as required.
- Leads program design and progress review meetings as required.
- Reviews and processes engineering change requests and engineering change notices.
- Acts as a technical lead at customer sites; visits customers to help solve problems, research customer needs, and field new products.
- Supports manufacturing, quality control, purchasing, and field service.
- Demonstrates understanding of intellectual property, including interpretation of existing IP and creation of new IP.
Qualifications- Technical leadership & mentorship.
- Strong collaboration skills across R&D, manufacturing, service, and customers.
- Possesses expert knowledge of mechanical behavior of components under static, dynamic, and fatigue loading.
- Strong machine design experience using weldments, stainless steel, castings, motor gearboxes, and strength of materials.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to be recognized as a technical authority under engineering.
- Proficient with design software, including SolidWorks and ANSYS.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. ERP experience preferred.
- Demonstrates KBC values of personal accountability, discipline, trust, and proactive action.
- This position requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university.
- A strong technical background and fifteen or more years' related experience in industrial machine design is also required.
- A master's degree in an engineering field is preferred.
- Familiarity with parametric 3D design software is required; SolidWorks experience is preferred.
Travel Required10-15% travel to customer sites, supplier sites, and industry conferences is required.
All benefits are effective upon hire--including medical, dental, vision, and 401k. 
