Senior R&D Engineer

Support the development, qualification, and commercialization of advanced conductor systems and integrated solutions. This cross-functional role will accelerate internal R&D programs, advance strategic partnerships, and support execution of funded grant projects. The engineer will play a key role in building the total System Solution through rigorous testing, innovation, and standardization efforts, aligned with commercialization, utility adoption and market acceleration.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise in materials, design, and testing with program management, execution and cross-functional collaboration and coordination capabilities. This role reports directly to the VP of Technology and will work closely with internal teams, subject matter experts, academic/industry partners, and process engineers to execute the R&D, project management and technology expansion roadmap.

Essential Functions

• Core technology development including smart sensing, coatings, hardware and novel materials for systems.
• Manage internal and external funded R&D projects aligned with the organizations commercialization goals and grant deliverables.
• Drive qualification and validation testing for systems-including thermal, mechanical, electrical, ageing, and optical performance.
• Own the execution of internal test programs and coordinate with partners such as research institutes, independent labs and customers.
• Develop specifications and procedures for critical tests and lead knowledge transfer to internal QC and engineering teams.
• Build technical partnerships with global stranding and hardware partners and contribute to system-level integration.
• Conduct material and equipment sourcing and qualification to secure global processing capability.
• Support intellectual property (IP) generation efforts by managing prior art and patentability reviews for new inventions.
• Collaborate with external partners to co-develop field-deployable smart sensing systems and fiber optic interrogation methods.
• Create technical documentation, dashboards, and internal reports to ensure accountability and visibility across active R&D projects.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to junior engineers and support cross-training of process engineers into R&D and standardization functions.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in R&D, testing, or product development for T&D systems or advanced materials.
• Proven ability to design and lead technical validation programs across multiple disciplines (mechanical, thermal, electrical).
• Strong familiarity with ASTM, IEEE, IEC standards relevant to conductors, fittings, and materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with manufacturing, vendors, labs, and external stakeholders.
• Effective communication skills and ability to translate technical findings into actionable strategies and deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's in Engineering or Applied Physics with focus on materials, sensing, or mechanical systems.
• 8+ years of experience in advanced product R&D or system qualification within T&D, aerospace, or infrastructure sectors.
• Hands-on experience with smart sensing systems (optical fiber, wireless data transmission embedded sensors), polymer processing, or coating development.
• Experience with grant execution and reporting, including government sponsored programs.
• Knowledge of carbon fiber composites, high-temperature materials, coatings, and optical fiber applications.

Familiarity with product commercialization cycles, from early-stage R&D to customer deployment