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Research & Development Supervisor

**Department:** Automation - Application Engineering

**Location:** Minneapolis, MN

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