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Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Carolina Power Systems

Mechanical Engineer

Sumter, SC · On-site

Mechanical Engineer Apply Now For more than 30 years, BNS Power has been a trusted provider of ... Engineering Manager BNS offers a competitive and relevant benefits package that keeps our employees ...

CAROLINA POWER SYSTEMS

Mechanical Engineer

Sumter, SC · On-site

Mechanical Engineer Apply Now For more than 30 years, BNS Power has been a trusted provider of ... Engineering Manager BNS offers a competitive and relevant benefits package that keeps our employees ...

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All JobsR&D Mechanical Engineer JobsManager R&D Mechanical Engineer JobsManager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Manager R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$42.1K

$95.2K

$154K

How much do manager r&d mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager r&d mechanical engineer in Columbia, SC is $95,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,400.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer do?

A Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer leads teams in designing, developing, and improving mechanical products or systems, often focused on innovation and new technology. They oversee research projects, manage engineering staff, and coordinate cross-functional collaboration to turn ideas into viable prototypes or products. Their responsibilities also include budget planning, project timelines, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role requires both technical expertise in mechanical engineering and strong leadership skills.

What are some of the main challenges faced by a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

As a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer, one of the primary challenges is balancing hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities, such as guiding multidisciplinary teams and managing project timelines. You will often need to foster innovation while ensuring projects adhere to budget constraints and regulatory standards. Additionally, staying updated on emerging technologies and integrating them into ongoing research can be demanding. Candidates can prepare by developing strong project management skills, cultivating effective communication strategies, and remaining adaptable to evolving technical environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer?

A Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer requires a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and project management tools, as well as certifications like PMP, are often essential. Strong leadership, effective communication, and strategic thinking distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering successful product development projects in a competitive engineering environment.

What is the difference between Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManager R&D Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; often requires experience in R&DBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads R&D projects, manages teams, collaborates with cross-functional departmentsDesigns, develops, tests mechanical systems, works under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in R&D departments across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesCommon in manufacturing, product design, and engineering firms

The main difference is that a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer oversees R&D projects and manages teams, while a Mechanical Engineer focuses on designing and developing mechanical systems. The manager role involves leadership and strategic planning, whereas the engineer role emphasizes technical execution.

Can Manager R&D Mechanical Engineers work in R&D?

Yes, Manager R&D Mechanical Engineers typically work in research and development environments, overseeing engineering projects, guiding teams, and applying technical skills such as CAD design and prototyping. Their role involves managing innovation processes and ensuring project goals are met within R&D departments.
What are the most commonly searched types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC? For Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Manager R D Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,176 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Carolina Power Systems

Sumter, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Engineer
Apply Now
For more than 30 years, BNS Power has been a trusted provider of electrical power distribution equipment for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and commercial marine industries. We specialize in the engineering, manufacturing, testing, and lifecycle support of mission-critical switchboards, switchgear, motor controllers, load centers, control panels, and integrated power distribution systems that operate in some of the world's most demanding environments.
Our reputation is built on engineering excellence, innovation, quality, and long-standing customer relationships. As part of the BNS family of companies, BNS Power offers engineers the opportunity to work on highly specialized projects that directly support national defense and critical maritime infrastructure.
Location: Hybrid (Remote/On-Site as business needs require)
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Engineering Manager
BNS offers a competitive and relevant benefits package that keeps our employees in mind. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).
POSITION SUMMARY
BNS Power is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering team. This position is responsible for applying mechanical engineering principles to the design, analysis, manufacturing support, testing, and continuous improvement of electrical power distribution equipment for naval and marine applications.
The Mechanical Engineer works throughout the complete product lifecycle - from concept development and engineering analysis through manufacturing, factory acceptance testing, installation support, and long-term product sustainment. This role partners closely with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and our customers to deliver reliable, high-quality products that meet stringent military and commercial standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, supporting manufacturing operations, and contributing to products that serve the United States military.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Mechanical Engineering
  • Apply sound mechanical engineering principles to develop reliable, manufacturable, and maintainable electrical power distribution equipment
  • Perform engineering calculations including structural analysis, stress analysis, load calculations, center of gravity calculations, and material selection
  • Evaluate mechanical systems for performance, durability, serviceability, and lifecycle reliability
  • Develop engineering specifications, calculations, reports, and technical documentation
  • Create and maintain engineering drawings and models using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks

Product Development & Lifecycle Support
  • Support new product development and improvements to existing products
  • Evaluate product performance throughout its lifecycle and recommend engineering improvements
  • Develop engineering change requests (ECRs) and engineering change orders (ECOs)
  • Identify component obsolescence risks and develop replacement solutions that maintain product integrity and customer requirements
  • Research new materials, manufacturing methods, and technologies that improve product performance and reliability

Manufacturing Support
  • Provide day-to-day engineering support to manufacturing operations
  • Resolve production issues through engineering analysis and collaboration with manufacturing personnel
  • Review fabrication methods, assembly processes, and product documentation to improve quality and efficiency
  • Support supplier evaluations and assist with technical resolution of manufacturing issues

Testing & Product Validation
  • Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), qualification testing, and product validation activities
  • Participate in military shock, vibration, and environmental testing
  • Evaluate test data and recommend design improvements when necessary
  • Conduct failure investigations and root cause analyses to improve product reliability

Standards & Compliance
  • Ensure products comply with applicable customer specifications and industry standards, including:
    • MIL-DTL-901E (High Impact Shock)
    • MIL-STD-167 (Mechanical Vibration)
    • ASME Standards
    • UL Standards
    • NEMA Standards
    • IEC Standards
    • Navy and Coast Guard design requirements
    • ISO 9001 Quality Management System requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Electrical Engineers, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management throughout project execution
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations
  • Support proposal development by providing engineering input and technical estimates
  • Provide technical support to customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders

Customer & Field Support
  • Participate in customer design reviews and engineering meetings
  • Provide engineering support during equipment installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and field service activities
  • Travel to customer locations, shipyards, manufacturing facilities, and testing sites as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university
  • Minimum of five (5) years of mechanical engineering experience supporting industrial electrical equipment, power distribution equipment, marine systems, or defense-related products
  • Knowledge of low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical power distribution equipment, control centers, and motor controllers
  • Experience supporting products throughout the engineering lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, testing, and field support
  • Experience performing structural, mechanical, and stress analyses
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing processes including sheet metal fabrication, machining, welding, and mechanical assembly
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience supporting U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense, or commercial marine programs
  • Familiarity with naval shipboard equipment design requirements
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
  • Experience with Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner, or ERP systems
  • Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Hybrid work environment
  • Monday through Friday, standard business hours
  • Approximately 25% travel to BNS office locations, customer sites, shipyards, vendors, manufacturing facilities, and testing locations
  • Occasional extended hours may be required to support project schedules or testing activities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
  • Ability to work safely within manufacturing environments and aboard ships when required
  • Ability to travel by automobile and commercial airline

WHY JOIN BNS POWER?
At BNS Power, our engineers play a critical role in delivering the electrical power distribution systems that support the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. You'll work alongside experienced engineers and manufacturing professionals on technically challenging, mission-critical projects while contributing to innovative solutions that make a real-world impact.
As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to expand your technical expertise, collaborate across disciplines, and build a rewarding career supporting products that protect those who serve.
BNS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

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