R & D Engineer

This position is responsible for exploring and developing early-stage product and process ideas through engineering design, experimentation, and prototype development. This role designs, builds, and tests concepts to evaluate feasibility and reduce technical risk. Communicates findings and technical direction with internal teams across the organization to help define solutions that can transition to final development.

Worksite Location: Onsite, Minneapolis, MN area

Compensation & Benefits Competitive base salary aligned with experience, with an ideal salary range of $90-120k and potential for performance-based incentives or bonus opportunities.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, disability, life insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution (8%), employee ownership opportunities, paid time off, and professional development support.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Develop design concepts and prototype solutions for new product and manufacturing ideas across multiple product areas.
• Create mechanical designs and layouts using 3D CAD software.
• Build and assemble prototypes using fabrication methods including welding, machining, and mechanical assembly.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate feasibility, performance, and durability.
• Translate project goals into practical engineering solutions with limited direction.
• Research materials, fabrication techniques, and technologies to support development.
• Explore alternative approaches to solve technical challenges.
• Communicate technical findings and development progress with internal teams.
• Document prototype designs, testing results, and lessons learned.
• Maintain organized records of prototype builds and experiments.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Who will be successful in this position? Someone who has:

• Creativity with the ability to generate new ideas and explore alternative solutions.
• Independence and the ability to work effectively with little direction.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop practical engineering solutions.
• Curiosity and willingness to investigate multiple ways to solve problems.
• Hands-on engineering capability, including designing, fabricating, and modifying prototypes.
• Adaptability when working in evolving project environments.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Experience in product development, fabrication, manufacturing engineering, or prototype development. Minimum three years of related experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication methods such as welding, machining, forming, and mechanical assembly
• Knowledge of common manufacturing processes including fabrication, welding, machining, and assembly.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documents.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Experience working in manufacturing or product development environments preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

About Versique Versique: /ver-seek/? adj. being both versatile and unique; n. a high-performance recruiting firm specializing in executive leadership search, direct hire, and interim hiring solutions. Versique Executive, Professional, & Interim Recruiting is a locally owned and operated hiring and placement firm based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. With specialized practice areas across our three divisions, Versique delivers tailored expertise to a wide range of industries. What sets us apart is our team of recruiters—seasoned professionals who have worked in the very fields they now hire for, providing unmatched industry insight and connections.

We believe people are more than resumes—they are transformative, unlocking the potential for organizational growth and success.

Versique is proud to be an award-winning company, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal's Fast 50 list for 2023. We are also consistently recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace and were named a Best Place to Work in 2022 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Let's find your people, together.

Versique is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.