R&D Mechanical Engineer – Millwork Industry

Job Title: R&D Mechanical Engineer – Millwork Industry Company: KNAPP Connectors Location: Pineville, NC (Full-Time, On-Site)

Company Overview:

KNAPP® Connectors is a global leader in connecting and fastener systems, with 40 years of experience serving the timber construction and millwork industry. We specialize in high-quality, hidden connecting technologies for applications including furniture and case goods manufacturing, architectural millwork, and timber structures. Our clientele includes woodworking professionals, millwork shops, and timber construction companies across North America and beyond.

Job Overview:

We are seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer with proven experience in the millwork, furniture, and/or case goods manufacturing industry to join our team in Pineville, NC. The ideal candidate has a strong background in hardware development, combining mechanical engineering expertise with hands-on knowledge of millwork, furniture and case goods manufacturing.

This role will drive innovation in new product development, while also improving existing hardware solutions. Success requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and purchasing, to ensure products meet customer needs and market demands.

Key Responsibilities:

- Design, develop, and improve fasteners and connectors for woodworking, millwork, and furniture applications.

- Conduct prototyping and testing using SolidWorks, 3D printing, and CNC machining to validate designs.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, marketing, purchasing, and sales) to ensure market-ready solutions.

- Create, manage and maintain technical documentation, ensuring accuracy for both internal use and customer-facing materials.

- Support marketing by providing accurate technical input for catalogs, product guides, and training materials.

- Partner with purchasing to provide technical insight on sourcing and evaluating components.

- Oversee quality assurance processes, ensuring all products meet performance, durability, and safety standards.

- Provide technical support to customer service and sales teams to resolve complex customer inquiries.

Requirements:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

- 5–10 years of experience in mechanical engineering within the millwork, furniture and/or case goods manufacturing industry.

- Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).

- Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping (3D printing) and CNC machining.

- Expertise in the design of fasteners, connectors, or mechanical hardware for woodworking applications.

- Experience working across functions, especially with purchasing, marketing, and sales teams.

- Strong problem-solving, project management, and analytical skills.

Nice to Have:

- Familiarity with supplier collaboration for sourcing and evaluating metal and plastic components.

- Multilingual skills (German, Spanish, French) are a plus.

- Exposure to industry testing standards for hardware/fasteners

Performance Expectations:

- Deliver innovative new products that expand the woodworking fastener portfolio each year.

- Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to support product launches and market adoption.

- Ensure all designs meet rigorous quality standards and align with company growth strategies.

Benefits and Compensation:

- Competitive annual salary, plus performance-based bonus opportunities.

- PTO and flexible time-off policies that support work-life balance.

- Potential hybrid work options after initial training period and if candidate meets requirements

- Collaborative environment with growth and professional development opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunities:

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of woodworking fastener and connector technology. You will influence not only engineering and product design but also procurement strategies and market positioning. As part of KNAPP Connectors, you’ll play a key role in driving innovation in a dynamic and growing industry.

How to Apply: Please email your resume to pknapp@knappconnectors.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Flexible schedule

- Paid time off

- Professional development assistance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

- Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

- Mechanical Engineering in Millwork Industry: 5 years (Required)

Language:

- any other language such as Spanish, German, French (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Pineville, NC 28134 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Pineville, NC 28134: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person