RA

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER: COMPOSITES

Accepting applications

Robertson and Caine International Yachts · Avenue, MD

Full-Time Mid_senior aiateganmentorrf
Posted
2d ago
Category
Test
Experience
Mid_senior
Country
United States
The R&D Composites Engineer is responsible for a wide scope of projects in the field of composite engineering and construction. This position manages the R&D Composites team including composite specialists who support both composites engineering and manufacturing. This position must propel the business forward in areas of composite technology, green (environmentally friendly) technologies and efficient manufacturing techniques and processes. With the aim to bring R&C into the top tier in the industry in terms of product methods and sustainability. Projects are to be effectively managed. All new products and processes must be developed, tested and matured to the point of full implementation. Conduct Lab/Factory/Boat tests on concepts and small volume production runs while collecting and standardising data. Develop cost models to demonstrate the benefits of introducing new technologies or alternative production methods and present ROI’s. Working closely and in collaboration with suppliers and all R&C departments.

Key Job Functions

Research & Innovation / Test and Maturation

Research into new technologies for cost efficient qualitative implementation.
Drive innovation in composite and construction architecture. Propose new approaches for design and manufacturing of yachts for the R&C fleet.
Drive Green manufacturing initiatives by identifying opportunities and solutions for more environmentally friendly production methods and materials and working closely with our Environmental department.
Drive new technology in our designs to explore customer focus areas which include but are not limited to Connectivity, Automation, Thrust Technology and Sustainability (CATS).
Help procurement identify key suppliers to and help develop or build partnerships between the entities
Ensure Projects are introduced in a sustainable manner involving all critical role players and assigning responsibilities and tasks.
Create CAD Models (2D & 3D) & complete calculations for the design and specification of components, materials, and equipment for new product design.
Investigate and report on market trends and key focus areas.
Develop rigorous testing regimes for projects and critically review results.
Consistently encourage, guide, lead, teach, share, and promote new technologies to all departments from concept design, all the way through to the factory floor. Suitable timing of technology transfer must be planned to coincide with project roll out plans.
Create project feasibility studies including – Proposals, quotations, costings, recovery rates, etc
Provide specialist input on QRCI’s (Quality or warranty claims
Ensure critical quality checks are detailed and completed during new part prototyping or ECR implementation, for all composite designs.
Build a strong and transparent relationship with our customer’s technical

Project and People Management

Projects to be carefully planned, scheduled and tracked.
Regularly report on project statuses.
Create project budgets, ROI’s and keep track and report on project budgets.
Ensure deliverables are met according to project deadlines.
Complete all documentation as necessary. Drawings, DVO’s, BCR’s, R&D requests, Technical Bulletins, etc.
Prioritise, balance & define workloads of team members.
Performance management, guide, lead and mentor team members where and when required.
Create and implement annual training plans for the respective team, in consultation with department manager
Define new processes or improve existing processes to improve efficiency.
Manage attendance related aspects including late coming, absenteeism, sick leave etc.
Conduct interviews for all new staff within the respective department team.
Manage all disciplinary issues within the department and liaise with the HR department.

Stakeholder Support

Support Production during Prototyping and R&D project implementation, by providing explanations on both design intent and new processes, emphasising critical design aspects and assistance with finding and understanding required documentation before the new design is implemented.
Support the Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers and Process Engineers, by providing technical input and clarity on the design intent, as required.
Support the Supply Chain, Logistics & Stores Departments with BOM queries, workstation allocation, general explanation of part usage and explanations on expected part or material usage on new products whenever a risk of shortfalls or obsolescence may exist.
Support Warranty by providing technical feedback relating to warranty claims.
Support Commissioning by answering any technical or BOM related queries and performing quality checks during the implementation of new products or engineering changes.
Support Technical Purchasing by answering any technical queries related to TQR’s or advising on stock code redundancy.
Support Project Management by providing constant feedback on the status of work for new projects. This includes, but is not limited to drawings, CNC files, BOM packs, and quality checks.

Qualifications And Experience

Minimum: Diploma (NQF Level 6) Qualification in Engineering or related field.
Ideal: BTech/ BEng- degree (NQF Level 7) Qualification in Engineering or related field.
Experience: minimum 5-10 years Composites experience with People Management experience.
Computer skills – MS Office, Power Point, Excel, Word, Outlook, MS Project
Computer skills – #D CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred), PDM, Draft sight, e-Drawings
Thorough understanding of design for manufacturing and build sequence.
Knowledge of composite and deck gear.
Boat Building knowledge/experience preferred.
Must have a car & drivers’ licence and able to travel between locations as required.

Competencies

Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers.
Self-disciplined to research and investigate new technologies and passion for yachting
Organisational skills with the ability to prioritize.
Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines.
Commercially and financially aware with experience in budgets.
Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to prioritize.
Ability to present organised and thorough information and data appropriate for intended audience.
Be flexible, adaptable, able and willing to modify activities and direction with an ever-changing business environment.
Ability to take full responsibility and accountability as per the scope of work.
Ability to work under pressure and maintain required standards.
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