R&d Engineer

About the Role

The R&D Product Engineer will support new product development, product testing, and continuous improvement initiatives within a sheet metal manufacturing environment. This role involves collaboration across engineering, sales, production, maintenance, and plant leadership to guide new product concepts from design through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop new products.
• Create and prepare shop and fabrication drawings for new product prototypes.
• Support prototype development and product testing activities.
• Manage in-house testing requirements, maintain test reports and documentation.
• Coordinate with third-party testing agencies.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing and fabrication processes for improvements in productivity, quality, efficiency, and cost.
• Develop jigs, fixtures, and other solutions to improve manufacturing productivity.
• Review production operations and recommend process improvements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Utilize AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks for product design and manufacturing.
• Collaborate across engineering, production, sales, and operations to resolve technical and manufacturing challenges.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Sheet metal design
• Product design development
• CAD design with proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Sheet metal fabrication/manufacturing
• Product testing and validation
• Process improvement
• Blueprint reading
• Mechanical design engineering
• Design for manufacturing
• CAD drafting
• Technical documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in a sheet metal fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and technical specifications.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, product development, and fabrication methods.
• Experience supporting process improvement, production efficiency, quality, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Familiarity with developing or improving jigs and fixtures is preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to produce accurate work.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, production, maintenance, sales, and plant leadership.
• Minimal travel required.

Work Environment

This role is located in a climate-controlled manufacturing facility, blending office-based engineering with hands-on production support. Time allocation will vary between desk work and the manufacturing floor, depending on business needs.

Job Type & Location

• Contract to Hire position.
• Based out of Tanner, AL.
• Fully onsite position in Tanner, AL.

Pay & Benefits

• Pay range: $36.05 - $48.08/hr.
• Benefits may include: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave). Eligibility requirements apply.