Research And Development Engineer

Franklin Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft interior components. Since 1988, Franklin Products has been dedicated to producing high quality engineered products and providing great service to ensure customer satisfaction. We are a global company, operating facilities in Torrington, CT, Irving, Texas, Mexico, and United Kingdom, and Poland.

Position: Research and Development Engineer

As Research and Development Engineer, you will join a team focused on bringing exciting innovations to the aircraft interiors industry. You will work with customers, suppliers, and engineers on multiple projects, utilizing a wide range of skills. You will team with Sales and Marketing to understand customer requirements in order to develop and promote products that create new business opportunities for Franklin Products, Inc.

• Conduct research and development activities for Franklin Products, Inc.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Design Engineering to research and understand new concepts
• Detail engineering of new designs within a 3D model-based CAD environment
• Create digital prototypes; work with technical staff to construct physical prototypes
• Test and verify prototypes are fit for purpose and can be manufactured
• Assess and analyze customer wants/needs, benchmark competitive products, and develop innovative, cost effective products to meet those wants/needs

• Identify problems and solutions; present ideas or innovations to management

• Research and recommend improved materials or designs, documenting potential benefits
• Apply research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities
• Evaluate results using statistical analysis; propose changes to product design, tooling, and/or process
• Summarize research results and communicate progress against objectives and project costs
• Lead and/or assist with new product development projects including manufacturing trials, testing, measurements, and related documentation from initial tooling trials through production qualification
• Perform product testing for internal evaluation as well as for customer testing/feedback
• Ensure new products function properly and meet specifications, cost targets, and timing plans
• Keep informed on industry news and trends, products, services, and competitors
• Occasional travel to customers, suppliers, of Franklin Products' facilities may be required
• Other job related duties as assigned

Skills:

• Highly organized with strong project management skills

• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks

• Ability to work under extreme pressure with strict deadlines

• A high degree of creativity and latitude is expected

• Excellent oral and written communications skills

• Strong presentation skills

• Strong problem solving skills

• Excellent analytical and computational skills

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

• 1-5 years of experience in field or in a related field

• Design engineering experience with 3D Modeling; Autodesk Inventor preferred

• FRP composites, plastics, and advanced manufacturing technologies, a plus