Senior R&D Engineer – Quick Disconnect Couplings (QDC)
Business Unit: Data Center / Fluid Conveyance
Function: Research & Development Engineering
Reports To: Engineering Manager, R&D QDC
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior R&D Engineer – Quick Disconnect Couplings (QDC) to support the research, development, and advancement of next-generation coupling technologies used in Data Center and Fluid Conveyance applications.
This role will lead moderately complex R&D engineering work packages involving concept development, feasibility studies, prototype development, experimentation, laboratory testing, data analysis, and technical validation. The Senior R&D Engineer will translate technical findings into clear recommendations that influence future NPD, Current Product Engineering, and technology roadmap decisions.
The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience in fluid systems, couplings, connectors, sealing systems, pressure-containing components, thermal management, or related engineered products.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead defined R&D work packages involving QDC technology, concept evaluation, feasibility studies, prototype development, testing, and technical investigations.
- Develop test plans, define test conditions, coordinate prototypes, conduct experiments, analyze data, and document technical findings.
- Lead or support prototype builds, component evaluations, material trials, sealing concept testing, cleanliness investigations, pressure testing, leak testing, and performance evaluations.
- Evaluate QDC concepts and technologies based on pressure integrity, leak performance, flow performance, cleanliness, reliability, materials compatibility, manufacturability, and Data Center application requirements.
- Develop technical learning plans, risk registers, design notes, test reports, feasibility summaries, trade-off analyses, and engineering recommendations.
- Serve as a technical contributor or technical lead for moderately complex R&D projects and multiple smaller technology investigations.
- Work closely with test laboratories, NPD, CPE, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, suppliers, and other engineering stakeholders.
- Identify technical risks, knowledge gaps, technology opportunities, emerging trends, and potential product improvements.
- Support invention and IP capture by documenting novel technical solutions, concepts, materials, test methods, and process innovations.
- Participate in brainstorming sessions, design reviews, technical reviews, lessons-learned activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Mentor and coach junior engineers and technicians on R&D methods, testing practices, documentation, and technical problem solving.
- Communicate technical findings and recommendations through engineering reports, presentations, project reviews, and technical discussions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Science, Product Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Relevant experience in R&D, product development, technology development, laboratory testing, prototyping, or engineered mechanical products.
- Experience leading moderately complex technical projects or work packages with limited supervision.
- Ability to plan engineering activities, coordinate technical inputs, analyze data, and develop engineering recommendations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a global, cross-functional engineering organization.
Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred:
- Quick Disconnect Couplings (QDC)
- Fluid conveyance
- Mechanical couplings or connectors
- Hose and fittings
- Sealing systems
- Pressure-boundary components
- Hydraulic or pneumatic systems
- Thermal management
- Liquid cooling
- Data Center cooling systems
- High-pressure fluid systems
- Precision mechanical components
- Product qualification and validation
- Prototype development and laboratory testing
Technical Requirements
- Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals covering product design, materials, testing, measurement, and prototype development.
- Understanding of coupling architecture, sealing principles, pressure integrity, leak performance, flow characteristics, cleanliness, materials compatibility, and reliability.
- Ability to design and execute experiments and interpret engineering test data.
- Ability to perform technical trade-off analysis, identify root causes, assess risk, and develop practical engineering recommendations.
- Working knowledge of DFSS, Lean, structured problem solving, test planning, engineering documentation, and change control.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAD review tools, engineering test equipment, data analysis tools, spreadsheets, and standard engineering software.
- Understanding of test safety, confidentiality, technical documentation, and IP considerations.
R&D & Innovation Responsibilities
The Senior R&D Engineer will contribute to the organization's technology pipeline by:
- Investigating emerging QDC and fluid conveyance technologies.
- Evaluating new materials, sealing technologies, architectures, and manufacturing approaches.
- Developing technical evidence to determine technology feasibility and readiness.
- Identifying opportunities for product differentiation and performance improvement.
- Supporting invention disclosures and technical IP development.
- Tracking relevant industry and technology trends.
- Working with universities, suppliers, laboratories, and external technical partners when required.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
