Job Description
Principal R&D Engineer
Country/Region:  United States
Job Location:  Waukegan
Required Travel (%):  5
Work Model:  onsite
Principal R&D Engineer

Your Mission

As a Senior Research and Development Engineer, you shape the future of advanced mechanical solutions by turning scientific insight into high‑performance products. You drive innovation across tribology‑based technologies and play a key role in strengthening our technology leadership. Through hands‑on research, smart experimentation, and close collaboration, you help bring reliable, efficient, and future‑ready solutions to life.

How you will make a difference

  • Lead R&D projects by developing innovative products, technologies, and systems aligned with our strategic roadmap.
  • Explore emerging technologies through structured research, literature and patent reviews, and experimental validation.
  • Design robust solutions at component, subsystem, and system level with focus on performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Plan and execute testing by designing test programs, building test stands, and performing life and validation testing.
  • Analyze data and solve problems using simulation, experimental results, and root‑cause methodologies.
  • Act as technical lead by managing risks, making sound engineering decisions, and mentoring colleagues

What you should be good at

  • Engineering expertise with strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering and applied scientific principles.
  • Product development experience with at least five years in R&D and industrial environments. 3D prinitng experience is preferred.
  • Tribology knowledge gained through education or hands‑on application.
  • Analytical thinking to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable solutions.
  • Program and Project Management to drive structured planning, prioritization, and execution of R&D initiatives to ensure efficient delivery, technical excellence, and alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Collaboration skills to work effectively across manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
  • Communication strength to explain complex technical topics in test execution reports clearly to diverse stakeholders.

What you can look forward to

  • Meaningful impact by working on technologies that improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
  • Innovation culture where ideas, experimentation, and learning from failure are encouraged.
  • Professional growth through challenging projects, knowledge sharing, and mentoring opportunities.
  • Modern engineering environment with advanced tools, testing capabilities, and digital methods.
  • Collaborative teamwork in a respectful, supportive, and international setting.
  • Long‑term perspective within a stable company committed to future‑oriented engineering.

Compensation

This is a salaried exempt position with a pay range from $106,682 - $160,023 per year. Pay will be based on qualifications and experience. 

Who we are

Join our global team of over 7,500 colleagues and make a difference every day. Contribute to innovative solutions that save lives, reduce emissions, and drive progress in key industries like energy, automotive, and safety technology. Guided by our core values — Pioneering Spirit, Courage, Fairness, and Closeness — we are ENABLING CHANGE. FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. With opportunities to grow, learn, and collaborate across 40 countries and 150 locations, you’ll be part of a culture that values your ideas and your impact. Ready to make a difference? Apply today and become part of our journey. #YouMakeADifference

Your Mission

As a Senior Research and Development Engineer, you shape the future of advanced mechanical solutions by turning scientific insight into high‑performance products. You drive innovation across tribology‑based technologies and play a key role in strengthening our technology leadership. Through hands‑on research, smart experimentation, and close collaboration, you help bring reliable, efficient, and future‑ready solutions to life.

How you will make a difference

  • Lead R&D projects by developing innovative products, technologies, and systems aligned with our strategic roadmap.
  • Explore emerging technologies through structured research, literature and patent reviews, and experimental validation.
  • Design robust solutions at component, subsystem, and system level with focus on performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Plan and execute testing by designing test programs, building test stands, and performing life and validation testing.
  • Analyze data and solve problems using simulation, experimental results, and root‑cause methodologies.
  • Act as technical lead by managing risks, making sound engineering decisions, and mentoring colleagues

What you should be good at

  • Engineering expertise with strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering and applied scientific principles.
  • Product development experience with at least five years in R&D and industrial environments. 3D prinitng experience is preferred.
  • Tribology knowledge gained through education or hands‑on application.
  • Analytical thinking to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable solutions.
  • Program and Project Management to drive structured planning, prioritization, and execution of R&D initiatives to ensure efficient delivery, technical excellence, and alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Collaboration skills to work effectively across manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
  • Communication strength to explain complex technical topics in test execution reports clearly to diverse stakeholders.

What you can look forward to

  • Meaningful impact by working on technologies that improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
  • Innovation culture where ideas, experimentation, and learning from failure are encouraged.
  • Professional growth through challenging projects, knowledge sharing, and mentoring opportunities.
  • Modern engineering environment with advanced tools, testing capabilities, and digital methods.
  • Collaborative teamwork in a respectful, supportive, and international setting.
  • Long‑term perspective within a stable company committed to future‑oriented engineering.

Compensation

This is a salaried exempt position with a pay range from $106,682 - $160,023 per year. Pay will be based on qualifications and experience. 

Who we are

Join our global team of over 7,500 colleagues and make a difference every day. Contribute to innovative solutions that save lives, reduce emissions, and drive progress in key industries like energy, automotive, and safety technology. Guided by our core values — Pioneering Spirit, Courage, Fairness, and Closeness — we are ENABLING CHANGE. FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. With opportunities to grow, learn, and collaborate across 40 countries and 150 locations, you’ll be part of a culture that values your ideas and your impact. Ready to make a difference? Apply today and become part of our journey. #YouMakeADifference

Information at a Glance
Country/Region:  United States
Job Location:  Waukegan
Required Travel (%):  5
Work Model:  onsite