Research & Development - R&D Design Engineer 3

Are you a construction-minded professional with a passion for building and making a lasting impact in the industry? At EFCO, we don’t just build concrete structures, we build careers, partnerships, and opportunities. Established in 1934, we deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that make construction safer and more efficient.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, EFCO is a growing, people-focused company committed to Quality, Integrity, Innovation, and Super Service. From engineering and design to manufacturing and field support, we help customers turn vision into reality while achieving the Lowest In-Place Concrete Cost (LIPCC).

Position Type: Full Time Regular 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Position Reports to: R&D Team Lead
Supervisory Responsibility: No
Travel Required: Minimal 5% - 15% 
Date: May 7, 2026

Purpose 

The Design Engineer is responsible for developing the next generation of EFCO’s products, translating concepts into production-ready designs. This role takes a concept through prototyping, testing, and field trials, and then collaborates with the New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer for handoff to production.  The Design Engineer coordinates with the R&D team, and ensures designs meet safety, quality, and performance standards.

EFCO Culture & Safety Statement 

Act with Integrity by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for Quality through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace Innovation by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver Super Service by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.   

At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities.   

Essential Functions

Next-Generation Product Development (40%)

Develop next-generation products. Drive practical, low-risk design solutions that enhance performance, usability, and manufacturability. Translate concepts into efficient, production-ready designs with focus on speed to prototype and validation. Balance design improvements with project timelines, prioritizing timely delivery. 

Project Design Execution & Oversight (35%)

Own design projects from concept through field trial with a focus on rapid execution and iteration. Drive design progress and decision-making. Develop designs with practical application and scalability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Coordination (15%)

Work closely with Manufacturing, NPI (New Product Introduction), and Quality teams. Provide design support during testing and field trials. Clearly communicate design intent and maintain intent through project lifecycle.

Knowledge Transfer & Mentorship (10%)

Guide and support junior engineers and technicians on rapid development projects. Maintain design standards, best practices, and lessons learned to accelerate team performance and reduce rework.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Civil, or related Engineering discipline required.
• Experience: Minimum of 4 years relevant engineering experience; 7+ years preferred.
• Certification(s) and License(s): Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) or international equivalent required. 
• Leadership: Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and planning skills.
• Computer Skills: CAD and product design. Proficient in standard office software,

Core Competencies 

• Technical Skills: Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively.

• Direction, Planning, Organization: Sets clear objectives, aligns efforts, and manages time and resources to achieve results.

• Judgment: Makes sound decisions by evaluating facts, risks, and potential outcomes.
• Organizational Awareness: Understands the company’s structure, priorities, and how decisions impact the broader business.
• Collaboration: Works well with others toward shared goals, contributing constructively to team efforts.

EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Physical Demands 

Light: Exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly.

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Balancing - maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching, etc.: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers: Occasionally
• Stooping – Bending at the waist: Occasionally
• Sitting/Standing – Must be able to sit or stand as required for extended periods of time: Frequently
• Lifting motions or lifting objects up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Walking: Frequently
• Climbing - Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles etc.: Occasionally
• Hearing: Frequently
• Talking: Frequently
• Capacity to think, concentrate and focus for long periods of time: Frequently
• Ability to read complex documents in the English language: Frequently
• Capacity to reason and make sound decisions: Frequently
• Ability to write complex documents in the English language: Frequently
• Capacity to express thoughts orally: Frequently
• Expertise in:
• Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or designated worksite
• Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises. Etc.

The position is currently classified as on- site. 

The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.  

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401k Options
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EFCO Culture and Safety

Act with INTEGRITY by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for QUALITY through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace INNOVATION by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver SUPER SERVICE by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.

At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities.  This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any/all injuries – no matter how minor – immediately to their supervisor or manager.

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EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.

    Quality | Integrity | Innovation | Super Service