Professions

Research & Development Engineer, from laboratory to field

Attentive to customers’ needs, the Research & Development engineer studies and develops products which are ergonomic, reliable and a source of comfort for the user. His creativity and technical skills ensure the Group its position as leader in the Electrical Distribution and Automation & Control businesses.

An extremely wide field of action

From preliminary studies to the industrial demands of manufacturing, the R&D engineer follows through the innovative product that he has designed. He also conducts technology watch, sources suppliers for raw materials and is responsible for Quality criteria. At the end of the chain, the product put on the market is a satisfactory response to customer demand.

His role in developing a new product

From laboratory to first tests. The marketing department or product department provide R&D with an idea that responds to users' needs. The R&D engineer creates a product from this concept. Its development is carried out in three phases during which he employs his technical skills:
- the bench phase, the innovative product is developed in the laboratory ;
- the pilot phase, the product is tested using simulating equipment ;
- the semi-industrial phase, production is tested under real conditions.

Developing packaging.The R&D engineer designs the packaging for the new product. This process, carried out in collaboration with the marketing department, results in innovative packaging which respects the product's preservation properties.

Optimising processes. If the product turns out to be of interest to the consumer and the Group, he thinks, with production engineers, about the best way in which to manufacture it industrially. At this stage, the R&D engineer has important financial responsibilities: he has to optimise the cost of the product's development.

Project management, after the technical phase

The R&D engineer acts as an interface between the different players involved in placing a Schneider Electric innovation on the market. He takes account of marketing, sales, industrial and economic datas.
He manages all parameters of the operation: deadlines, costs and human resources. Management and team leadership qualities are indispensable.

Career prospects

At Schneider Electric, a R&D engineer can become R&D Director or join the Production department. After a few years, he can occupy a supervisory or management position.