Principal R&D Engineer; Bearings

Job Title: Principal R&D Engineer (Bearings)

Reports To: R&D Engineering Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

Seniority Level: Senior Level

Industry: Manufacturing | Mechanical Power Transmission Components | Engineering Services

Job Function: Engineering | Research & Development

Job Summary: The Principal R&D Engineer will act as a principal engineer for the team to drive improved decision‑making skills and advanced educational development for team members. This individual will lead major multi‑phase R&D projects and teach less skilled colleagues to improve overall R&D team performance. The role maintains awareness of state‑of‑the‑art technology, as well as Dodge products and technologies, and identifies and understands technical drivers for R&D projects.

The Principal R&D Engineer understands what creates customer value in own R&D projects and project portfolio, works to improve operations, increase customer satisfaction, and provides consulting services to business operations and customers.

• Act as a senior engineer for the team to drive improved decision‑making skills and advanced educational development for team members.
• Act as the technology leader for large multi‑phase new product development projects that require advanced R&D and project management skills.
• Innovate and implement industry‑leading technologies to solve identified challenges within a problem statement that can be incorporated into assigned products and/or processes.
• Demonstrate sound fundamental technical proficiency in own competence area.
• Emphasis on critical thinking, root cause analysis, and problem solving.

• Lead the peer team in creating new and innovative solutions that exceed the performance of current technologies.
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial innovative spirit to R&D projects with own unique and creative ideas.
• Propose follow‑up projects and activities within own technical area based on new ideas.

• Demonstrate sound understanding of, and actively apply, R&D processes and tools.
• Examples include sound communication capabilities, advanced project management processes, use of 2D and 3D CAD tools, advanced understanding of FEA, and awareness of industry standards applicable to area of expertise.

• Actively teach own technical/scientific knowledge to less skilled colleagues in applying processes and tools to ensure timely and high‑quality results.
• Show solid documentation skills and write technical reports independently.

• Proactively seek to identify opportunities for new or advanced technologies that could be used for product enhancements or new product needs based on problem definition and project scopes.
• Initiate business review of new technology ideas with business team members.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or relevant field (M.S. Preferred).
• 20+ years of Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical experience.
• Relevant product‑related experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office and 3D/2D drafting and modeling software.
• Strong analytical skills with an emphasis on advanced technology, critical thinking, root cause analysis, and problem solving.
• Extreme attention to detail with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Ability to adapt and multi‑task based on departmental needs; collaborates well with others and is a good team player.
• General understanding of basic project management skills.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with passion for new and changing ideas.
• Proven history of innovation and creativity.
• History of contribution, leadership, and influence in relevant national and/or international trade/industry associations.
• Lean Green Belt preferred.

• Extended periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk or computer workstation.
• 5-10% travel to meet with clients or attend meetings (overnight travel as needed).
• Ability to type, reach, and grasp.
• Able to carry, lift, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Reach, climb, crawl, walk.
• Speak and present in person or virtually to individuals and small groups.

• Develop new technologies to be used to solve advanced…