Job Description:
We are seeking a Senior Engineer, Product Research & Development - Hard facing to join a global leader with the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of welding and cutting solutions. For more than 100 years, our customers have relied on us to deliver innovative technologies that enhance productivity, safety, and performance.
In this role, you will lead research and development initiatives that support the company's competitive position, profitability, and commitment to safe, high-quality product design. The successful candidate will independently drive projects focused on the development of new and improved hardfacing products and processes while providing technical leadership and collaborating across multiple business functions.
This position reports to the Senior Manager, Research & Development and is based in Hanover, PA. Open to provide relocation support for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead research and development efforts for new and enhanced hardfacing products and technologies.
- Plan, develop, and manage short- and long-term R&D programs using structured project management methodologies and tools, including:Stage-Gate processesDesign of Experiments (DOE)Gantt chartsProject management systems such as Planisware or equivalent
- Ensure project milestones, deliverables, and timelines are achieved.
- Design and execute testing programs to evaluate product performance and validate compliance with applicable specifications and standards.
- Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including formulations, processing methods, specifications, and product standards.
- Generate and maintain records supporting intellectual property activities and assist with patent documentation as required.
- Prepare and deliver technical reports, papers, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to align product development activities with business objectives.
- Develop and maintain relationships with Product Management, customers, and key accounts to identify industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging customer needs.
- Provide technical expertise and support to internal and external stakeholders as needed.
Why Join Us
- Lead the development of innovative hardfacing products that support customers across a wide range of industrial applications.
- Drive projects from concept through commercialization and see the direct impact of your work in the marketplace.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and industry stakeholders across a global organization.
- Contribute to product innovation, technical excellence, and intellectual property development within a recognized industry leader.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive research and development experience, preferably in hardfacing filler metal product development.
- Strong foundational knowledge of steel properties and their impact on welding and hardfacing performance.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret technical specifications and design testing programs to validate product performance and compliance.
- Solid understanding of the product development lifecycle, from concept through commercialization.
- Proven project management skills with the ability to independently lead multiple technical projects.
- Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to effectively work across cross-functional teams and influence technical and business stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel up to 25%, including domestic and international travel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing hardfacing products, welding consumables, or related filler metal technologies.
- Experience utilizing Stage-Gate methodologies, Design of Experiments (DOE), and project management systems such as Planisware.
- Experience supporting intellectual property development, including patent documentation and record generation.
Working Conditions
- Remains in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time, with additional physical demands including walking, standing, stooping, and ascending/descending stairs.
- Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when visiting or working in manufacturing, laboratory, or plant environments.
- Regularly operates a computer and other standard office equipment, including printers, tablets, and mobile devices.
- May move, transport, or handle equipment weighing up to 50 pounds using appropriate safety procedures and equipment.
- Flexible schedule is available occasionally as needed
Location Highlights – Hanover, Pennsylvania
Located in south-central Pennsylvania, Hanover offers a high quality of life with a strong sense of community, affordable living, and convenient access to major employment centers throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. The area combines the benefits of a growing business community with the charm of a well-established town, providing residents with a variety of recreational, cultural, and family-friendly amenities.
Skills Required
- Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or related discipline
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive R&D experience, preferably in hardfacing filler metal product development
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Proven project management capabilities
ESAB Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ESAB and has not been reviewed or approved by ESAB.
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Retirement Support — The package includes an immediately vested 401(k) with a strong company match plus an additional employer contribution. Feedback suggests this structure is a standout element of total compensation.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple plan choices, including HSA‑eligible options with employer contributions, alongside dental and vision. Feedback suggests these mainstream offerings strengthen perceived total rewards when paired with other benefits.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave, child and elder‑care support, and access to caregiving services are included. Feedback suggests these family‑oriented supports add meaningful value for many employees.
ESAB Insights
What We Do
ESAB is a world leader in the production of welding consumables and equipment. Our brand is synonymous with world-leading expertise in the following key areas: * Manual welding and cutting equipment * Welding consumables * Welding automation * Cutting systems Celebrating 110 years since its founding, ESAB now serves a global market. We are represented in almost every country by subsidiaries or agents providing sales and support. ESAB also has manufacturing plants across four continents. Manufacturers everywhere are looking for ways to improve productivity and reduce operating costs. One way to achieve this goal is to align with a welding and cutting partner that offers a complete line of innovative solutions that meet the current demands of industry. ESAB has led the way in research and development of better technologies and products for this industry since its founding. ESAB has many great minds working on ways to make our industry stronger and better able to meet the needs of the future. We are constantly striving to expand our product offerings – from the best in traditional welding applications to large automated manufacturing facilities. ESAB continues to offer world-class technical support and educational opportunities to help our customers work smarter and better. We are dedicated to working with customers to help them be more productive, more profitable, and better able to compete. The ESAB group has been owned by Colfax Corporation since January 13, 2012. To learn more visit our website at www.esab.com and choose your region to begin
