Electric Machinery Company. a division of WEG Electric Corp.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Position: R&D Supervisor – Development & Automation

Department: Product Engineering and R&D

Primary Objective of Position:

The R&D Supervisor leads the development, automation, and continuous improvement functions within Electric Machinery’s engineering organization. This role is responsible for advancing product design methods, digital engineering tools, and cross-functional innovation projects that improve performance, quality, and productivity. Partners closely with the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Supervisors, the R&D Supervisor ensures that new technologies, standardization efforts, and digital tools are effectively developed, validated, and transferred into production. Position focuses on how engineering is done—driving improvements in process, automation, and integration—while also coordinating select product development and research initiatives in alignment with WEG global R&D.

Major Areas of Accountability:

• Supervises and mentors the R&D, automation, and methods engineering team.

• Sets clear goals and development plans for engineers involved in product development, design automation, and process improvement.

• Fosters a culture of innovation, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

• Support the Engineering Manager and the Engineering leadership team in establishing a consistent technical direction and knowledge-sharing framework.

• Leads engineering automation initiatives across CAD, PLM, and ERP platforms.

• Develops standardized digital workflows and parametric design tools to reduce design cycle time and improve accuracy.

• Evaluates and implements new technologies such as digital twins, AI-assisted design checking, simulation tools, and model-based engineering methods.

• Partners with IT and WEG global teams to integrate tools and data systems.

• Coordinates small-scale R&D and technology validation projects, ensuring that results are captured, documented, and transferred into engineering practice.

• Oversees the development and testing of new product concepts, materials, and manufacturing methods in collaboration with WEG Brazil and global R&D.

• Manages prototype builds and pilot projects in coordination with manufacturing and quality teams.

• Drives continuous improvement of engineering workflows, methods, and documentation standards.

• Identifies and eliminates bottlenecks in design, review, and release processes.

• Develops and maintains design standards, engineering calculators, and shared tools libraries.

• Measures and reports improvements in design cycle time, error rate, and rework reduction.

• Works closely with the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Supervisors to ensure smooth technology transfer into design and production teams.

• Collaborates with Manufacturing, Quality, and Industrial Engineering to implement automation and data-driven tools that improve manufacturability.

• Partners with the Business Automation function to align engineering data with company-wide digital transformation initiatives.

• Plans and tracks R&D projects, automation initiatives, and tool development within agreed budgets and timelines.

• Manages workload, priorities, and cross-functional coordination for assigned staff.

• Supports documentation, reporting, and communication of R&D activities to the Engineering Manager and leadership team.

• Domestic and international travel up to 20%.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering required; Master’s preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in product design, R&D, or engineering process development.

• Proven record leading or mentoring engineers and implementing design automation or digital engineering initiatives.

• Experience with cross-functional projects spanning mechanical, electrical, and IT disciplines.

• Exposure to global engineering collaboration and data management tools preferred.

• Proficiency in CAD and PLM systems (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, DriveWorks, or equivalent).

• Working knowledge of simulation and analysis tools (FEA, CFD, electromagnetic analysis).

• Experience with automation scripting or macros (VBA, Python, or SolidWorks API).

• Familiarity with ERP integration, data automation, or digital manufacturing principles.

• Understanding of ISO 9001 and design documentation standards.

• Strong leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.

• Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and efficiency.

• Able to bridge engineering, manufacturing, and business systems.

• Self-starter comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Committed to ethical and safe practices consistent with the WEG Code of Ethics.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical ability to travel freely within manufacturing and office facilities. This requires climbing stairs and moving over, around, and about shop machinery.

• Have the physical ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds unassisted.

• Must be able to climb stairs.

Salary:

$90k to $110k annually

Company cannot provide sponsorship for this position

Please, no agencies