BUILD A BETTER CAREER WITH MSC

Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries. We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.

Requisition ID :17960

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Category: Business Innovation & Transformation

Work Location: Davidson, NC (CSC)

BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY:

The Principal R&D Engineer leads advanced research initiatives in manufacturing technology, driving innovation through the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions that combine traditional manufacturing expertise with modern data-driven approaches. This role provides technical leadership in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to manufacturing challenges, particularly in areas such as process optimization, predictive maintenance, and smart manufacturing systems. The position requires deep expertise in machining dynamics and manufacturing processes, coupled with the ability to leverage advanced analytics and data science techniques to extract actionable insights from manufacturing data.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development of physics-guided machine learning approaches for manufacturing process optimization and control, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market needs.

• Drive the implementation of advanced analytics and AI solutions for machining stability prediction and process monitoring, leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

• Develop and validate novel algorithms for manufacturing process window identification using machine learning surrogate models, ensuring robust and reliable solutions.

• Design and implement intelligent systems for automated parameter selection and process optimization, improving manufacturing efficiency.

• Serve as Principal Investigator on major research projects, providing technical leadership in AI/ML applications to manufacturing challenges.

• Guide the development of Bayesian optimization approaches for manufacturing process development and parameter selection.

• Lead the integration of physics-based models with machine learning techniques for enhanced prediction accuracy.

• Develop innovative methods for tool life prediction and process monitoring using production data.

• Direct the implementation of low-cost sensor solutions and analytics for digital manufacturing.

• Create and maintain intellectual property portfolio in advanced manufacturing analytics.

• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to research team members, fostering professional growth and development.

• Foster collaboration across functional teams including engineering, product management, and marketing.

• Direct the transition of research concepts into practical manufacturing solutions.

• Fosters the MSC Culture in the department and throughout the company to ensure fulfillment of MSC’s vision and unity of purpose.

• Participation in special projects and performs additional duties as required.

  QUALIFICATIONS

  What You Need:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field with focus on machining dynamics or manufacturing processes (A Master’s degree plus an additional 4 years of research & development experience may be substituted).

• Minimum 6 years research experience with 3+ years in advanced manufacturing technology development

• Track record of successful research project leadership and technology commercialization

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

• Experience working with cross-functional teams and coordinating with multiple stakeholders

  Bonus Points If You Have:

• Expert knowledge in physics-guided machine learning approaches for manufacturing applications

• Advanced expertise in Bayesian optimization and machine learning for process parameter selection

• Deep understanding of manufacturing analytics and data-driven decision making

• Strong background in manufacturing process modeling and optimization

• Excellence in developing and implementing digital manufacturing solutions

• Outstanding technical leadership and project management capabilities

• Exceptional communication skills for conveying complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders

  Other Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license may be required.

• Position may require up to 25% of travel

• This position may require access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations Information (“ITAR”) and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (“CUI”)

  *INDICATES ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  To perform this job successfully an associate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, experience level and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

  Why MSC? People. Collaboration. Insight. That’s how you build something that works. Built on a foundation of trust, MSC works side by side with our customers to help them drive business results. With more than one million product offerings and 75+ years of experience across industries, MSC strives to help our customers achieve greater productivity, profitability, and growth through inventory management and other innovative supply chain solutions. We care about our associates and have programs in place to help our 6,500+ team members achieve their potential.

  When you join our team, you will receive rewards and recognition for your contributions, training and professional development opportunities, Associate Inclusion Circles: Women, Pride, Black, Veterans, HOLA and DisABLEd as well as a variety of benefits to support you and your family's health, well-being, and financial future. If you are inspired to learn, take risks, and succeed as a team, you can build a better career at MSC.

  Equal Opportunity Statement: At MSC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and our associates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any category protected by applicable law. By applying to this job you agree to the Application and Acknowledgment Declaration terms. Click HERE (https://jobs.mscdirect.com/content/Acknowledgement/?locale=en_US&previewLink=true&referrerSave=false) to review.