Research & Development (R&D) Engineer

Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Industry: Industrial Manufacturing / Engineered Equipment

Position Overview

A well-established manufacturer of industrial and heavy equipment is seeking an R&D Engineer to join its engineering team, focused on materials evaluation, mechanical performance, and product testing. This role plays a key part in evaluating material and thermal performance, supporting product reliability, and driving continuous improvement across current and future product lines within a lean manufacturing environment. This is a great opportunity for a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving technical problems and contributing to products that perform in demanding, real-world conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct material and mechanical testing to support new product development and existing product improvements
• Design and execute test plans to evaluate material performance, durability, thermal behavior, and failure modes under various operating conditions
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to evaluate component design, stress, and performance under load
• Analyze thermal dynamics and heat-related performance factors affecting product design and material selection
• Document and report testing results, providing data-driven recommendations to engineering and product teams
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and quality to resolve material- and performance-related issues
• Investigate material and component failures and field returns to determine root cause and recommend corrective action
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives by identifying process improvements, reducing waste, and improving testing efficiency
• Stay current on materials science and mechanical engineering advancements, recommending new materials or processes where applicable
• Support compliance with relevant industry standards and internal quality requirements
• Maintain detailed, organized documentation of test procedures, results, and specifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent hands-on experience)
• Experience in materials testing, mechanical testing, or R&D within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Working knowledge of thermal dynamics and heat transfer principles as they relate to material and product performance
• Familiarity with mechanical testing methods (tensile, fatigue, hardness, thermal cycling, etc.) and related lab equipment
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to interpret technical data and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proficiency with standard engineering and data analysis tools
• Comfortable working in both lab/testing and shop-floor manufacturing environments

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Opportunity to contribute to the design and reliability of industrial-grade products
• Collaborative engineering team and supportive company culture
• Professional development and growth opportunities

Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.

Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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. #LI-ST1