Research and Development Engineer-Mechanical

Under the direction of the Director of Engineering or the Research and Development Manager, the Research and Development Engineer is responsible for specific Engineering objectives while providing engineering and project management support for corporate product research and development efforts. This responsibility includes project planning and scheduling, theoretical research, conceptual design formulation and analysis, setting/recommending test matrices, prototype design, test evaluation, final design documentation and presentation of the final design package to Sales, Marketing, Engineering and Manufacturing.

Job duties will include:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure the timely development of assigned new products or modifications to existing products through all phases of research and development up to a completed product prepared for Engineering Documentation Services, Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing.
• Understand project objectives and provide innovative, creative solutions to achieve objectives.
• Develop program schedules, test criteria or sequential progress records as required to show active progress toward solutions of assigned projects.
• Prepare project records which ensure that designs and test data are properly documented.
• Analyze, interpret and recommend conceptual through final design solutions for assigned engineering projects.
• Provide cost analysis on projects.
• Prepare work orders for the fabrication, modification and installation of project designs.
• Conduct materials research and testing as required.
• Collect engineering data and perform engineering computations.
• Perform reliability studies and prepare inspection/test procedures as required.
• Analyze product failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Recommend manufacturing processes for new designs. Design or assist in the design of manufacturing fixtures and jigs as required. Follow-up and review the production of final designs as needed.
• Compose or develop technical reports or make engineering presentations to Marketing, Sales or other outside associations as required.
• Provide written weekly updates as to project activities and accomplishments.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties and assignments as designated by supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a college graduate with a B.S. Degree in Mechanical, Civil, or other related Engineering or scientific field, and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the general category of Research and Development. This experience must include at least one (1) year of project supervision and coordination of activities for project completion (i.e., engineering, or

manufacturing related fields). Strong knowledge of fabrication principles and practices, including experience with various materials and manufacturing processes is required. Ability to work independently or as part of a team, adapting to changing project needs and priorities. Must have good oral/written communication skills, with a keen sense of detail. Must have the ability to perform basic and complex math calculations with good numerical aptitude.

A candidate holding an advanced degree (M.E., M.Sc., or equivalent; or Ph.D.), but without relevant work experience, may also be acceptable.

Experience with Microsoft Office products and solid modeling software (for example, Auto Desk Inventor) is required.

Experience with Finite Element Analysis, including non-linear dynamic codes (LS-DYNA) is desired.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The person in this position must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time and constantly operate a computer and other office machinery such as a copier or computer printer. They must have the ability to occasionally move about inside the office, inside the fabrication shop and outside to work with others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Majority of work performed in a climate-controlled office setting. Certain functions of the job will need to be performed in the fabrication shop and outside. The Research and Development Engineer will be required to inspect crash test articles outside and may be periodically required to also assist with assembly of crash test articles in the fabrication shop or outside. Witnessing actual test crashes outside will be required at times, in all types of weather conditions.

Work is conducted most often in close coordination with other departments within Valtir (Sales & Marketing, Manufacturing, Product Support Engineering, Engineering Documentation Services, and Fabrication) in a Team effort with positive collaboration. Working extended hours may be required as workload demands. Limited travel is required on all major modes of transportation.

Salary Range: $86,869-$147,676