JOB SUMMARY:
The R&D Product Development Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and launch of new busway and power distribution products that meet market demands and comply with industry standards (UL 857, IEC 61439). This role requires a strong electrical engineering background with emphasis on power distribution systems, electrical ratings, and product certification testing.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Define product electrical specifications, features, and functionalities while ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards
- Develop product designs per Product Standards (UL 857, IEC 61439), including electrical ratings, current-carrying capacity, and thermal performance
- Perform electrical calculations and model simulations including voltage drop, impedance, temperature rise, power loss & efficiencies, thermal dissipation models, and short-circuit withstand ratings
- Support 3D modeling and 2D drafting efforts in coordination with the design team
- Encourage creative thinking and innovation within the team
- Work with external suppliers and partners to source electrical components and materials (busbars, insulators, connectors, conductors)
- Adhere to the NPDI process and complete relevant documentation
- Stay current with technological advancements in power distribution, data center infrastructure, and industry developments
- Build and evaluate prototypes to support product design development and validate electrical performance
- Support thermal, short-circuit, and dielectric testing for development and UL/IEC certification
- Follow Engineering Change process for existing products
- Demonstrate Ethics and Integrity
- Conduct/Participate in Product Risk Assessment through DFMEA
- Engage with mechanical engineers to review electrical aspects of the product design, create electric diagrams, etc.
- Organize drawings, test reports, and documentation for efficient reference
- Provide timely, accurate responses to requests for design and engineering information
- Provide customer-facing electrical engineering support for analysis, troubleshooting, and resolution of highly technical busway and electrical distribution field issues.
- Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or related discipline
- Fundamental understanding of power distribution principles (voltage, current, impedance, power factor, thermal management)
- Knowledge of electrical codes and standards (NEC, UL, IEC)
- Familiarity with 3D modeling and 2D drafting tools (SolidWorks Electrical, AutoCAD Electrical, or equivalent)
- Proficiency in PLM software
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Excellent written & verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Action & detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Self-motivated, able to work independently or as part of a team
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- 2+ years of R&D or product development experience in power distribution, switchgear, or electrical equipment manufacturing
- Experience with electrical system design, conductor sizing, and thermal analysis
- Knowledge of DFM, DFA, and DFE principles as applied to electrical assemblies
- Knowledge of Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plan, and SOP preparation
- Experience coordinating product testing and certification with third-party labs (UL, CSA, or equivalent)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheet, and other business applications
Demonstrated competence in communication and problem-solving
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HIGHLY DESIRABLE
- Experience with UL 857 (busway) standard — thermal testing, short-circuit testing, and certification process
- Experience with busbar/busway product design, including current-carrying conductors (copper and aluminum)
- Competence in Circuit Breaker & Fused Switches performance and specifications.
- Familiarity with power distribution applications and/or data center industry for both AC & DC applications
- Knowledge of related standards: UL 98, UL 489, UL 4248, NEC Article 368 & other relevant UL & NEC standards.
- Experience with high-current electrical connections, torque specifications, and contact resistance