R&D (Mechanical) Engineer

CEL Critical Power – Powering the AI Revolution:

CEL has an opportunity for you to join our rapidly growing US business, where you will have an opportunity to make a significant impact on our immediate and long-term success of our Supply Chain function.

CEL is an Irish based 40-year manufacturer, distributor and exporter of electrical switchgear and controls, and related products and services, now focused on the supplying the global Data Centre industry.

Operating from our newly acquired 400,000ft2 facility in Williamsburg, Virginia, we aim to double in size each year for the next three years.

CEL is led by a hard-working team who follow traditional working practices, value collaboration, continuous improvement, excellence in quality and commercial curiosity; this is your chance to develop your career as part of a dynamic US SMT who will shape the future of our business.

We strongly believe that seeking out and hiring the most diverse talent and creating an inclusive workplace is the way to create an exceptional and innovative workplace for our employees which will deliver excellence in service to our customers.

We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience to join this multicultural, hard-working team.

WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE: As an R&D (Mechanical) Engineer, you’ll play a key role in the research, design, and development of innovative products and technologies. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams, product managers, manufacturing, sales, and customers to define product requirements, evaluate design concepts, and develop prototypes that push the boundaries of performance, cost, and manufacturability. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment focused on ideation, iteration, and hands-on development.

R&D ENGINEER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, explore new concepts, and assess feasibility of new technologies.
• Lead or support research efforts focused on new product platforms, materials, and technologies related to power distribution systems.
• Use CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor and/or SolidWorks to generate detailed models, rapid prototypes, and production-ready documentation.
• Create and validate design concepts through simulations, prototyping, lab testing, and analysis.
• Develop test plans, perform design validation, and analyze data to drive design improvements.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions, technical reviews, and innovation workshops to generate and refine new ideas.
• Work closely with suppliers, manufacturing, and quality teams to assess DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFT (Design for Test) considerations early in development.
• Identify and resolve design challenges quickly, iterate based on feedback, and document all R&D findings thoroughly.
• Help evaluate materials, components, and emerging technologies that could improve product performance, cost, or lifecycle.
• Support early-stage product trials, pilot builds, and field-testing initiatives.
• Ensure all new designs meet applicable standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., UL, ETL), and customer expectations.
• Manage design changes, version control, and risk assessments through a formal R&D change process.
• May require occasional travel for supplier visits, field testing, or collaboration with customers and partners.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program.
• 2–5 years of experience in R&D, new product development, or applied mechanical design—preferably within power distribution or electrical systems.
• Familiarity with relevant standards: UL 891, UL 1558, UL 67, UL 857, UL 1008, and/or UL 62368/60950 is a strong plus.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (Inventor, SolidWorks), PLM systems (e.g., Vault), and engineering documentation tools.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to open-ended design problems.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping methods, lab testing, failure analysis, and continuous improvement.
• A passion for innovation, curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• A dynamic and growing team focused on innovation and excellence