W Industries

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

W Industries$80K — $110K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years experience in R&D or product development in industrial power distribution or energy markets, especially with LV/MV switchgear and MCC
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls/Automation Engineering required; MS preferred
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD tools like SolidWorks, Inventor, or AutoCAD Electrical
  • Strong knowledge of power distribution fundamentals related to LV/MV switchgear and MCC
  • Skilled in engineering analysis and test planning for electrical equipment
  • Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead concept development and feasibility studies for new LV/MV switchgear and MCC products
  • Design electromechanical assemblies and instrumentation/control solutions
  • Develop layouts for prototype testing of LV/MV SWGR and MCC systems
  • Integrate necessary components like circuit breakers and relays into designs
  • Create test plans and validation protocols; analyze results for performance improvements
  • Produce engineering documentation, including drawings and specifications
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards for products
  • Lead troubleshooting and implement corrective actions during testing

Benefits

  • 401(k) plan
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Basic Life and AD&D insurance, short and long-term disability insurance
  • Voluntary benefits available
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
Full Job Description
The Research & Development Engineer designs, prototypes, tests, and validates innovative solutions for W-Industries' automation, electrification, power generation, and packaged equipment offerings, with a strong focus on low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) switchgear and motor control center (MCC) systems. This role leads concept development, design-for-manufacture, and verification activities while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, cost-effective products that meet client and industry standards.

Requirements
• Lead concept development, requirements definition, and feasibility studies for new products and system enhancements, including LV/MV switchgear and MCC platforms.
• Design electromechanical assemblies, LV/MV switchgear line-ups, MCCs, and instrumentation/control solutions using sound engineering principles and best practices for arc-resistant and metal-clad/metal-enclosed equipment.
• Develop equipment layouts for LV/MV SWGR and MCC systems for prototype testing
• Where needed, design and integrate circuit breakers, contactors, soft starters, VFDs, protective relays, transformers, bus systems, and auxiliary equipment for LV/MV switchgear and MCC applications.
• Develop test plans, design of experiments (DOE), and verification/validation protocols for LV/MV SWGR and MCC designs; analyze results and iterate designs based on electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance.
• Produce engineering documentation-drawings, BOMs, specifications, control narratives, and risk assessments-for LV/MV switchgear, MCCs, and integrated packaged solutions.
• Apply DFM/DFA and reliability engineering practices to switchgear and MCC designs; drive cost, footprint, weight, and complexity reductions while maintaining safety and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., UL 1558, UL 891, UL 845, UL 508A, IEEE C37 series, NEC/NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, IEC/ISA, ASME) and client specifications for LV/MV SWGR and MCC systems.
• Prepare technical reports, business cases, and ROI analyses supporting stage-gate decisions and product roadmaps for new switchgear, MCC offerings, and related packaged equipment.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of electrical, control, and mechanical issues in LV/MV SWGR and MCC products; implement corrective and preventive actions as needed and encountered during new product testing with UL.

Required Skills & Competencies
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and drafting tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD Electrical) for switchgear and MCC layouts, assemblies, and schematics.
• Strong knowledge of power distribution fundamentals, including LV/MV switchgear architectures, MCC topologies, short circuit etc
• Competence in engineering analysis (tolerance stacks, FEA basics, thermal analysis, and reliability concepts) applied to switchgear, MCC structures, and enclosure design.
• Skilled in test planning, DOE, data analysis, and technical report writing for electrical equipment qualification and type testing.
• Excellent problem solving, organization, and cross functional communication abilities, including coordination with manufacturing, field service, and suppliers.

Required Education & Certifications
• Experience: 3+ years in R&D, product development, or advanced engineering within industrial, power distribution, or energy markets, preferably with LV/MV switchgear and MCC products.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls/Automation Engineering required; MS preferred.
• Credentials: EIT/PE, PMP, or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to walk through project sites, including outdoor, industrial, and electrical equipment environments.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times.

Offered Benefits
• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long term Disability insurance
• Voluntary benefits
• FSA and HSA
• PTO

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