Description
Job Overview
Our Connectors location in Leeds, AL is looking for a Senior Design Engineer (New Product Development)! The Senior Design Engineer (New Product Development) is responsible for the design, development, and advancement of medium- and high-voltage electrical connectors for the Electric Utility industry, with additional responsibility for supporting the development of fiber telecom connectivity products as needed. This role requires strong engineering expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and standards-compliant products used in transmission, distribution, substation, and communication applications. The Sr. Design Engineer will also contribute to product improvements, and sustaining engineering activities to support long-term product performance.
A Day In The Life
Every day presents opportunities to support innovation and enhance critical utility and communication infrastructure. You will make a difference by:
Participating in multiple product development projects simultaneously, including concept development, mechanical and electrical design, prototyping, testing, and production release.
Leading requirements definition, project reviews, and design verification/validation efforts for medium- and high-voltage connector systems and fiber telecom connectivity components.
Designing products in alignment with industry standards (ANSI, IEEE, IEC, NEMA, Telcordia, etc.) and ensuring compliance through proper documentation, testing, and certification support.
Working with marketing, operations, and quality to translate customer needs into actionable design specifications and value-driven engineering solutions.
Developing 3D models, engineering drawings, and simulations to validate product performance and manufacturability.
Coordinating and performing design experiments, including mechanical, electrical, and environmental testing.
Supporting root-cause investigations, sustaining engineering activities, and product enhancements for existing connector portfolios.
Driving continuous improvement initiatives through DFMEA, design-to-value, and manufacturability improvement events.
Maintaining accurate project documentation, design records, and test reports in accordance with internal engineering and quality systems.
Requirements
What will help you thrive in this role?
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering other Engineering disciplines will be considered with demonstrated industry design experience
5+ years of product design experience, ideally in medium/high voltage connectors, utility hardware, or related industrial/mechanical components
Strong understanding of high-voltage electrical behavior, materials, mechanical design, and connector interfaces
Proficiency in CAD modeling and simulation tools (AutoDesk Inventor & SolidWorks)
Experience with design verification/validation testing and hands-on work with lab test equipment
Understanding of industry standards applicable to medium/high voltage and telecom products (ANSI, IEEE, IEC, NEMA, Telcordia)
Experience with DFMEA, design-to-value, and structured product development processes
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills
Experience with cast components, molded components, and rapid prototyping processes strongly preferred
