R&D NPI Expert Design Engineer

About the role

The Expert Design Engineer will be a key contributor to the development of an SF6‑free Switchgear product portfolio. You will lead the creation of complex kinematic mechanisms, perform efficiency and endurance calculations, and ensure designs meet lifecycle and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Design multi‑link power transmission and kinematic subsystems for high‑voltage switchgear.
• Conduct transmission efficiency, speed, and endurance analyses.
• Select materials and manufacturing methods (thermoset, thermoplastic injection, forging, welding, stamping, sheet‑metal).
• Perform topology optimisation, FEA and MBD analyses, and activity‑matrix validation within the Eaton Prolauch system.
• Lead patent applications and provide Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessments.
• Drive strategic studies, industry trend monitoring, and customer‑oriented solution delivery.
• Coordinate boundary‑condition discussions with global teams and manage R&D project execution.
• Execute design verification, prototyping, validation testing, and system‑efficiency studies.
• Define risks and mitigations through DFMEA and PFMEA, and create control plans and quality outputs.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (MSc/PhD preferred).
• Minimum 8 years of experience in multi‑body dynamic system projects or related academic research.
• Hands‑on experience with load‑break switchgear or circuit‑breaker mechanisms.

Required skills

• Mechanical design and kinematic mechanism engineering.
• Multi‑body dynamics (MBD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Topology optimisation.
• DFMEA and PFMEA risk analysis.
• Material selection (thermoset, thermoplastic injection, forging, welding, stamping, sheet‑metal).
• Switchgear design knowledge.
• Patent application process.
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment.
• Project management within Prolauch or similar systems.

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead innovative, environmentally‑focused switchgear projects.
• Collaboration with global engineering teams.
• Access to cutting‑edge design tools and technologies.