R&D Engineer Job Listing at Kelly Services in Grapevine, TX (Job ID US3604341_BH9976871)

Description

Job ID: 9976871, 45020873
Job Title: R&D Engineer
Location: DFW Airport, TX
Business Line: Direct Hire, Permanent, Benefits from Day 1
Target Salary: $90000-$110,000 base, dependent on experience
Direct Reports: 0
Travel: 0%
Onsite: Yes
Sponsorship: No. Only US Citizens and green card holders at this time.

Position Overview
The R&D Engineer will lead the design, development, and commercialization of innovative orthopedic products, including braces, supports, and soft goods. This role requires strong technical expertise, hands-on prototyping skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects from concept through market launch. The engineer will collaborate cross-functionally and with external partners to ensure products meet clinical needs, quality standards, and business goals. Essential Duties & Responsibilities
New Product Development & Project Leadership

• Drive multiple R&D projects from concept through commercialization.
• Partner with Product Management to define clinical needs, functional requirements, and design inputs.
• Oversee prototype design, rapid prototyping (including 3D printing), bench testing, and clinical/wear trials.
• Develop and document testing protocols (bench, wear, durability).
• Manage timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure on-time launches.

Concept & Design Engineering

• Lead design exploration for orthopedic devices and soft goods.
• Create and refine CAD models (SolidWorks or equivalent), drawings, and assembly documentation.
• Apply expertise in textile engineering, pattern development, and nesting optimization for material efficiency.
• Collaborate with vendors on advanced materials, lamination, thermoforming, and fabrication techniques.

Specification Development & Manufacturing Transfer

• Develop specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and inspection criteria.
• Work with Manufacturing to establish production processes, QC testing methods, and cost-optimization strategies.
• Ensure smooth transfer from prototype to manufacturing, including tooling, fixturing, and nesting optimization.

Product Field Testing & Post-Market Improvements

• Coordinate field testing with clinicians and patients; capture insights on form, fit, and function.
• Translate feedback into design refinements and next-generation solutions.
• Lead Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), corrective actions, and product improvements.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Build relationships with clinicians, orthotists, therapists, vendors, and suppliers.
• Benchmark competitor products and incorporate findings into development.
• Provide internal product training and technical support to cross-functional teams.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Technical & Engineering Skills

• CAD & Design Tools: SolidWorks (preferred) or equivalent for 2D drawings, 3D models, and assemblies.
• Patterning & Nesting: Experience with textile pattern development and digital cutting/CNC nesting software.
• Materials Expertise: Knowledge of textiles, foams, elastomers, laminates, plastics, composites, and hardware used in orthopedic products.
• Testing & Verification: Familiarity with ASTM/ISO standards, wear simulation, durability testing, and clinical trial coordination.
• Documentation: Skilled in DHFs, design inputs/outputs, V&V reports, and ECO documentation.
• Prototyping: Hands-on with rapid prototyping, sewing, thermoforming, injection molding, and 3D printing.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to balance speed-to-market with safety, compliance, and quality.
• High attention to detail and quality standards.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and lead teams effectively.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Biomedical, Materials Science, or Textile Engineering (Master's preferred).
• Experience:
  • 5+ years (Senior Engineer) or 10+ years (Director-level) in product development, preferably in orthopedic bracing, supports, prosthetics/orthotics, or medical soft goods.
  • Proven record of taking multiple medical device products from concept to market.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing vendor relationships.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we're here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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