Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Illinois

EuropTec USA, LLC is a U.S. glass fabricator with a 75-year history of supplying fabricated glass and specialty items to the appliance market. We were previously known under the names of Marsco Manufacturing and Engineered Glass Products. With the recent acquisition by Glas Trösch Group, we now have the resources to significantly grow both domestically and overseas. Glas Trösch Group is a family-owned glass company based in Switzerland with $2BN in revenue and 6000 employees worldwide. With two manufacturing facilities and a warehouse in the Bridgeport and Canaryville (Back of the Yards Industrial Stockyards) neighborhoods of Chicago, we provide a wide variety of products for the appliance (oven doors and microwave ovens) and lighting markets. We are now poised to leverage our relationship with Glas Trösch to enter the U.S. rail market by providing glass and frame assemblies.

The Research and Development (R&D) Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of new product development and innovation processes. This includes researching competitor products, exploring new technologies and components. Enhancing current manufacturing processes, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure cost efficiency, safety, ergonomics, and compliance with industry standards. This individual plays a key role in driving continuous improvement and maintaining the company’s competitive edge in the market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Competitor and Market Research:
  Investigate and analyze competitor products. Research specifications, performance metrics, and production methods to identify opportunities for differentiation and innovation.
• New Product Development:
  Lead end-to-end development of new products. Ensure successful feasibility analysis, prototyping, validation, and final launch. Formulate new formulas to help our current products evolve. Improve overall performance, functionality, and competitiveness.
• Component Innovation:
  Research, design, and implement new components or alternative parts to enhance current product lines to reduce costs and improve performance.
• Collaboration with Chemical Engineers:
  Partner with the chemical engineering team to co-develop new product formulations and ensure compatibility with manufacturing processes.
• Packaging Solutions:
  Design and develop new packaging options to improve sustainability, logistics, cost-effectiveness, and user experience.
• Manufacturing Layout Optimization:
  Evaluate and propose improved plant layouts, process flows, and configurations to increase production efficiency and lower operational costs.
• Continuous Process Improvement:
  Drive ongoing improvement initiatives within product development, and R&D processes to enhance quality, reduce waste, and boost efficiency.
• Technology and Standards Monitoring:
  Stay current of technological advancements, ergonomic design principles, evolving safety requirements, and changes to regulatory standards to ensure compliance and competitiveness.
• Project Management:
  Plan, coordinate, and monitor multiple R&D projects concurrently. Ensure they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Testing & Validation:
  Supervise product testing for performance, safety, durability, and regulatory compliance. Analyze test results to make informed decisions.
• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:
  Ensure all products and processes meet applicable regulatory, environmental, and industry-specific standards.
• Vendor & Supplier Coordination:
  Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to source innovative materials, components, or services that align with R&D goals.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  Maintain thorough technical documentation for all projects, including design files, test results, formulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Team Leadership & Development:
  Manage and mentor R&D team members. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
• Budget Management:
  Develop and manage R&D budgets. Including resource allocation, equipment procurement, and project-related expenses.

Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor's degree (BS) in Engineering from four-year college or university and five to seven years manufacturing experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have excellent attention to detail

Must be able to communicate well with all levels of management