Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer

About Us
SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people's lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 4,100 associates, the company's products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.
Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer
SharkNinja is seeking a Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer to join the Ninja Coffee R&D Engineering team and lead the development, optimization, and validation of product system performance. This role focuses on understanding how complex electromechanical systems function, identifying performance drivers, and applying root cause and corrective action (RCCA) methodologies to improve product capability.
The R&D team owns the core performance of our products, from front-end technology exploration through product development and mass production. This engineer will lead technical investigations, build prototypes, design experiments, analyze performance data, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver best-in-class product performance.
This is a hands-on engineering role focused on system-level performance engineering, experimental testing, and problem solving in the lab. While not primarily CAD-focused, the role influences product architecture through design reviews, data-driven insights, and system-level engineering expertise.
Key Responsibilities
System Performance Engineering

• Lead system-level performance development for electromechanical consumer products, focusing on thermal, fluid, and mechanical systems
• Identify key performance drivers and engineering tradeoffs to optimize product functionality, efficiency, and reliability
• Translate performance targets into test plans, engineering models, and validation strategies

Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA)

• Drive root cause analysis (RCA/RCCA) for performance issues using structured problem-solving methods
• Investigate system behavior through data analysis, failure analysis, and hypothesis-driven experimentation
• Implement corrective actions and design improvements based on engineering findings

Experimental Testing & Data Analysis

• Design and execute engineering test plans, DOE experiments, and performance characterization
• Build and modify functional prototypes and test rigs to validate theories and system behavior
• Analyze experimental data using Excel, statistical tools, and engineering models
• Develop engineering insights and performance models that inform product architecture

Cross-Functional Product Development

• Partner with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and product teams to integrate technologies into new products
• Participate in design reviews and architecture discussions to ensure performance requirements are achieved
• Serve as the technical authority on system performance and engineering fundamentals

Technical Leadership

• Lead technical performance workstreams across multiple projects
• Mentor junior engineers and co-op students
• Communicate engineering insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Desired Attributes

• Strong ability to break down complex engineering problems into first principles
• Expertise in system-level troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Hands-on engineer comfortable prototyping, building test setups, and working in a lab environment
• Strong intuition for physics and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to translate experimental results into engineering insight and product improvements
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, iterative product development environments
• Clear communicator capable of explaining complex technical concepts

Technical Skills
Strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Fluid mechanics and pump systems
• Electromechanical systems
• Sensors, heaters, motors, and small appliance components
• System performance characterization
• Failure analysis and RCCA methodologies
• Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis
• Engineering test development
• Data analysis using Excel or similar tools
• Prototype fabrication and lab testing
• Basic CAD proficiency

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• 5+ years of product development or system engineering experience
• Proven experience solving complex engineering problems using structured analysis
• Track record of delivering robust product performance improvements
• Experience working with electromechanical systems and consumer products
• Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication and engineering testing

Work Environment
This is a hands-on, in-person engineering role based in Needham, MA, requiring regular work with prototypes, test equipment, and laboratory experimentation.
Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is displayed below. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (HSA) with company contribution, 401(k) retirement plan with matching, employee stock purchase program, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, company holidays, parental leave, identity theft protection, pet insurance, pre-paid legal insurance, back-up child and eldercare days, product discounts, referral bonus program, and more.
Pay Range
$81,700-$149,500 USD
Our Culture
At SharkNinja, we don't just raise the bar-we push past it every single day. Our Outrageously Extraordinary mindset drives us to tackle the impossible, push boundaries, and deliver results that others only dream of. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you'll be right at home.
What We Offer
We offer competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high impact Learning Programs featuring bold voices redefining what's possible. When you join, you're not just part of a company-you're part of an outrageously extraordinary community. Together, we won't just launch products-we'll disrupt entire markets.
At SharkNinja, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to our global success. Valuing each unique voice and blending all of our diverse skills strengthens SharkNinja's innovation every day. We support ALL associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having the opportunity for career acceleration. With help from our leadership, associates, and our community, we aim to have equity be a key component of the SharkNinja DNA.
Learn more about us:
Life At SharkNinja
Outrageously Extraordinary
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We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at [email protected]