Research and Development Engineer

WHAT BIVAR OFFERS

As an ESOP company, Bivar is 100% Employee Owned and boasts a strong culture of collaboration and communication. With generous benefits, supportive and progressive employee programs, and a collaborative office environment, the culture at Bivar is driven by growth-minded employee owners. As you fulfill the various introductory periods, you will be eligible for our employee benefits program, including discretionary bonuses, vacation, sick, and personal time off, an option for 100% employer funded medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, a 401(K) plan with employer matching, and participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

OVERALL POSITION SUMMARY

Bivar is searching for an R&D Engineer that is highly knowledgeable in the various job functions in engineering and manufacturing research & development, concept & design, prototyping & testing, and collaboration & communication. This role needs to stay informed about both emerging technologies and evolving user needs including regulatory compliance and cost optimization. To identify potential new product opportunities and services, he/she follows industry developments via market research, client feedback and competitor analysis. This position builds strong relationships and collaboration with the sales, marketing, engineering and manufacturing teams to evaluate designs for technical feasibility, identify production requirements, and support development of marketing plans and roadmap timelines. Performs duties with high levels of accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced environment, working independently and collaboratively within the department and other departmental functions to ensure performance goals are met in a timely manner to support company’s profitable growth.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Collaborates with sales, marketing, engineers and other technical professionals to convert market research, sales data and customer feedback into new product concepts as potential product ideas or improved product functionality that adapts to market changes.
• Analyzes product, industry and manufacturing technology trends and advancements through continuous learning and networking, identifying opportunities for future product innovation.
• Identify and organize potential product ideas, clearly and concisely documenting them to present to executives, managers and other stakeholders for consideration, discussions and/or approval.
• Applies mathematical and engineering principles, uses CAD and other design and modeling and simulation tools to develop new designs concepts and improve current parts and products that meet or exceed requirements.
• Develops and recommends a multi-year product and technology roadmap, aligned with market trends and business objectives by evaluating emerging technologies and assess their potential impact on product development and manufacturing processes, then collaborating with cross-functional teams to establish and implement technology improvement and/or acquisition strategies.
• Leads feasibility studies for new product concepts and participates in the design and development process, contributing technical expertise and problem-solving skills while assessing technical viability and economic potential.
• Responsible for the research and analysis of technical issues to provide technical inquiry support to customers, sales, and other departments, offering solutions and troubleshooting guidance and ensuring understanding and successful product application.
• Serves as a Technical Liaison for engineering, manufacturing, quality and/or supply chain with Asian/Chinese suppliers and/or customers.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Able to travel domestically and/or internationally to tradeshows for R&D purposes, to customer sites for sales calls and/or to supplier sites to support manufacturing & quality surveillance and/or supplier audits/qualifications.
• Performs duties with high levels of accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced working environment working independently and collaboratively within the department and the other departmental functions to ensure performance goals are met in a timely manner to support company’s profitable growth.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing design, development, and manufacturing processes documenting them for product training sessions and technical articles/white papers, as well as knowledge and expertise sharing.
• Active engagement and participation as an employee owner.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as requested by Supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science with Major(s) in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in a relevant R&D environment.
• 3+ years experienced in Product Design of Electromechanical Products for Low-Cost / High-Volume Molding/Manufacturing.
• Experience in Product Design with Metal, Engineering Plastic, Epoxy and other Materials in the Electromechanical industry by 3D solid modeling programs and complied with Solidworks Certification programs.
• Experience and/or knowledge of optical and mechanical simulation software.
• Experience and/or knowledge of Prototyping, Machining, Molding, Casting, Extrusion process and CAD / CAM conversions.
• Experience and/or knowledge of Products in Enclosure Hardware, LED Indication and LED Lighting and High Value
• Electromechanical / IIoT Products with Advance Technologies and related Components, Assemblies and Applications.
• Experience and/or knowledge of Environmental requirements and testing including but not limited NEMA/IP certification.
• Experience and/or knowledge of Patent Submission and Qualification Testing – Components/Assemblies
• Bi-Lingual fluency in English and Chinese (Mandarin preferred) written and verbal skills in liaising with Asian/Chinese suppliers, distributors and/or customers.
• Effective Interpersonal Communication, written/verbal, skills in developing strong relationships with others, internally or externally.
• Effective Time Management skills in Project Management for all assigned new product development activities with ability to prioritize projects and tasks.
• Strong Analytical, Technical Writing, Organizational and Collaboration skills with Detail Oriented approach.
• Critical Thinker, Independent Decision Maker, Problem Solver with Data-Driven and Result Oriented approach.
• Familiarity with ANSI Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Standards, 2D/3D CAD/CAM Solidworks, 3D Printing, CNC Machine Shop
• Familiarity with typical engineering processes – Document Control; Change management;
• Computer skills – Windows, MSOffice, MS Project, Flowcharting

At Bivar, we believe in the power of diversity and the strength it brings to our team. We understand that the perfect candidate may not always fit neatly into every requirement listed on a job description. Therefore, we encourage individuals who are passionate about our mission and eager to contribute to our team's success to apply, even if they do not meet all the criteria outlined for the position. We value the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that each member of our team brings to the table. We believe that diversity fosters innovation and creativity, driving us to new heights of achievement. Your skills, talents, and potential may be exactly what we need to continue growing and evolving as a company. If you possess a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a dedication to excellence, we encourage you to submit your application. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants, and we welcome individuals from all walks of life to join us in our mission to build customer driven solutions that add value by empowering designs that shape the world around us. We look forward to reviewing your application and getting to know you better.