Production / R&D Engineer

Location: Burlington, NC (On-Site with Limited Hybrid Flexibility)

Department: Engineering & Production

Reports To: Director of Engineering

Summary:

Production/R&D Engineer plays a central role in advancing product design, improving manufacturability, and reducing field installation issues through engineered solutions. This position sits at the intersection of engineering, production, R&D, and field operations. The role focuses on translating design requirements into efficient production processes, refining existing modular systems, supporting new product development, and ensuring engineering solutions support safe, consistent, and cost-effective manufacturing.

The Production/R&D Engineer contributes to the continuous improvement of modular elevator design, assembly processes, quality systems, and technical documentation that are critical components of Company's long-term strategy to standardize, scale, and expand modular offerings across multiple states.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Engineering & Product Development

• Support design development for modular hydraulic and traction elevator systems, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and cab components.
• Develop engineering solutions that improve code compliance, manufacturability, safety, and field installation repeatability.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Field Ops to refine modular tower designs, controller/machine room layouts, cab assemblies, and wiring pathways.
• Participate in R&D initiatives, including prototype builds, new product trials, and performance testing.

2. Production Engineering & Process Improvement

• Analyze existing production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or safety concerns.
• Develop and implement design-for-manufacture (DFM) improvements to reduce labor hours and increase production consistency.
• Support routing, BOM accuracy, and manufacturing drawings to ensure alignment between Engineering and Production.
• Evaluate tooling, jigs, fixtures, and workstations to improve assembly ergonomics, throughput, and quality.

3. Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all engineering outputs align with ASME A17.1/CSA B44, modular building requirements, UL/Intertek/NTA documentation, and state modular building program rules.
• Support QC teams in resolving non-conformances, establishing inspection criteria, and reducing rework.
• Maintain engineering documentation, drawings, change orders, and standardized work instructions.

4. Field Support & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Assist field personnel with technical troubleshooting, installation challenges, and design clarifications.
• Translate lessons learned from field failures, inspection outcomes, or installation obstacles into engineering updates.
• Engage with Project Management, Procurement, and QC/Safety to coordinate design constraints, equipment selections, and technical requirements.

Career Growth:

This role supports a rapidly expanding modular manufacturing and engineering organization and offers significant upward mobility. High-performing candidates will have opportunities to advance into:

• Senior Production Engineer
• R&D Lead Engineer
• Product Development Manager
• Manufacturing Engineering Manager
• Director of Product Engineering / Modular Systems

Growth is based on technical capability, leadership potential, ability to deliver measurable improvements, and contributions to product innovation and manufacturing efficiency.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–8 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, industrial systems, modular construction, or vertical transportation.
• Proficiency in engineering tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems integration.
• Ability to translate design intent into repeatable manufacturing methods.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualification:

• Experience with modular/offsite construction or elevator industry products.
• Knowledge of ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 and elevator component integration.
• Experience with UL/Intertek/NTA certifications, fire-rated assemblies, and modular building programs
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, process engineering, or ISO 9001:2015 systems.
• Hands-on ability to support prototype builds and production troubleshooting.