R&D OFFICER

Job Description: R&D Officer

​Position Overview

​Proforce Defence is seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and analytical R&D Officer to join our research and engineering team at our facility in Ode Remo, Ogun State. The successful candidate will support product development, technical research, 3D CAD modeling, prototyping, and testing across our tactical, commercial, and specialized armored vehicle projects.

​Key Responsibilities

​Engineering Design & Modeling: Utilize CAD software to create, modify, and refine 2D and 3D models, technical drawings, and engineering specifications for vehicle components, armor protection kits, and sub-assemblies.

​Prototyping & Field Testing: Assist in building, assembling, and field-testing experimental vehicle prototypes; evaluate structural integrity, weight distribution, and performance under rigorous operational conditions.

​Materials Research & Testing: Conduct technical research and laboratory/field tests on advanced materials (including armored steel, composites, ballistic glass, and lightweight alloys) to assess strength, durability, and protection capabilities.

​Reverse Engineering & Continuous Improvement: Analyze existing vehicle components to identify design flaws, improve structural integrity, reduce weight, and optimize manufacturing processes.

​Data Analysis & Reporting: Collect, process, and document technical data from simulation models, blast/ballistic tests, and vehicle test runs; prepare clear technical research reports for senior engineering management.

​Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside production engineers, welders, machinists, and quality control specialists to ensure new designs transition smoothly from concept to workshop fabrication.

​Key Engineering Knowledge Requirements

​3D CAD & Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE): Practical knowledge of 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and basic familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress and structural load simulation.

​Automotive Systems & Mechanics: Solid grasp of vehicle mechanical systems, including chassis design, powertrain layout, suspension dynamics, braking systems, and structural framing.

​Materials Science & Ballistics Principles: Understanding of material properties (yield strength, hardness, impact resistance) and general principles of ballistic and blast protection materials.

​Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Understanding of sheet metal fabrication, welding joint geometries, machining tolerances, and assembly sequences.

​Technical Documentation & Standard Operating Procedures: Ability to develop precise Bill of Materials (BOM), engineering change orders (ECOs), and workshop technical guides.

​Qualifications & Experience

​Education: B.Sc. or HND in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

​Experience: Minimum of 2–4 years of hands-on experience in research and development, CAD design, mechanical prototyping, or vehicle engineering within an automotive manufacturing or engineering environment.

​Skills: Strong analytical thinking, high spatial reasoning, proficiency in CAD tools, technical report writing, and a collaborative team attitude.

​Job Details

​Location: No. 1 Akaka Road, Ode Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

​Industry: Automotive & Defence Manufacturing.

Pay: ₦250,000.00 - ₦300,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person