Engineering Manager, Tools Technology

Job Description

Engineering Manager, Tools Technology

Engineering Manager, Tools Technology

Easton, PA

Director, Engineering, Tools & Materials

Victaulic seeks an experienced engineering leader to serve as Engineering Manager, Tools Technology within the Global Tools & Materials Technology Group at its Easton, PA headquarters. This role leads the mechanical development of new pipe preparation tools — spanning roll grooving, cut grooving, hole cutting, and specialty tools — as well as product line maintenance of Victaulic’s broad installed base of field and shop tools deployed worldwide.

The Engineering Manager, Tools Technology works as a peer to and in close collaboration with the Manager, Electrical Engineering to integrate smart technologies, controls, and connectivity into next-generation tool platforms. Domestic and international travel required (up to 15%).

• Lead mechanical design of new pipe preparation tools from concept through production launch; define and own tool architecture including structural frames, forming roll systems, hydraulic and mechanical actuation, depth‑setting mechanisms, safety guarding, and pipe support systems.
• Drive mechanical analysis (static, dynamic, FEA, tolerance stack‑ups) and design validation to ensure tools meet groove specification requirements (OGS, AGS, IGS) across all rated pipe materials, schedules, and size ranges; oversee prototype build, testing, and Gage R&R studies.
• Ensure designs accommodate global deployment requirements: multi‑voltage power configurations, international regulatory compliance (EU Machinery Directive, CE/UKCA, UL, CSA), and varied field and shop environments.
• Provide direction on intellectual property and patent strategy in coordination with Victaulic Patent Counsel.

• Partner with the Manager, Electrical Engineering to define the integrated mechanical‑electrical architecture of new tool platforms, ensuring mechanical designs accommodate controls integration: cabinet mounting, sensor placement, actuator interfaces, and wiring routing.
• Jointly develop tools with embedded smart capabilities: automated groove measurement and pass/fail confirmation, proximity‑based safety systems, remote diagnostics, Ethernet connectivity, and HMI‑driven operator interfaces.
• Align on regulatory compliance for electromechanical systems and drive a shared product development roadmap that integrates mechanical and electrical technology advancements.

• Oversee product line maintenance for Victaulic’s full installed base of pipe preparation tools worldwide; manage field issue resolution, design changes, and documentation (drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, revision histories).
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions; ensure tooling accessories (grooving rolls, groove confirmation gauges, pipe stands) are maintained in alignment with tool platforms and groove specifications.
• Support manufacturing troubleshooting, process deviations, and continuous improvement initiatives for tool performance, reliability, and cost.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical and mechatronics engineers; assign projects across new development, product line maintenance, and corrective action work streams; conduct performance reviews and support career development.
• Partner with the Director, Engineering, Tools & Materials to define and execute the Tools Technology roadmap; evaluate new initiatives against Victaulic’s commercialization criteria and manage vendor‑developed tool programs as applicable.
• Collaborate with Product Management to identify, prioritize, and implement the product roadmap and product line consolidation initiatives, ensuring engineering efforts are aligned with market needs and strategic portfolio objectives.
• Foster cross‑functional collaboration with the Electrical Engineering team, Marketing, Quality, Manufacturing, and global field service; ensure effective utilization of engineering resources.