Harbor Freight Tools

Engineer III, Product Development & Testing - Piedmont, SC

Harbor Freight Tools$98K — $147K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field from an accredited university.
  • 5+ years of experience in designing and building electro-mechanical systems.
  • Skilled in designing and fabricating fixtures using machining, welding, and 3D printing processes.
  • Strong background in programming PLCs, smart relays, and IoT devices.
  • Proficient in CAD software for creating 3D models and schematics.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of new test systems to enhance testing accuracy and efficiency.
  • Conduct design reviews to ensure equipment meets testing requirements.
  • Manage the capital plan for lab equipment with precise tracking of spending.
  • Independently oversee project timelines to ensure timely completion.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all equipment.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
  • 401k plan eligibility with employer contribution.
  • Accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year.
  • Paid sick time up to 80 hours annually.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Engineer III, Product Development & Testing role focuses on the development and fabrication of automated equipment to optimize product testing, in addition to maintaining and improving existing equipment. As an Engineer III, there are certain expectations of leadership, coaching, and mentoring. This position will also mentor test teams in best practices in testing and report writing.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead the development of new test systems that improve the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of our tool testing.
  • Lead design reviews with HFT team members to ensure equipment meets testing requirements.
  • Plan and manage the fiscal year capital plan as it relates to lab equipment, including accurate tracking of project spending and expenditure schedule.
  • Independently manage timelines to complete projects on time and within budget.
  • Create and maintain documentation associated with the equipment, including bill of materials, 2D prints and wiring schematics.
  • Ensure all test equipment is designed with a strong emphasis on safety and accuracy.
  • Collect, store, and back-up all data generated from testing processes.
  • Fabricate test fixtures in-house or coordinate with external vendors when cost-effective.
  • Maintain and update existing test equipment to ensure functionality and compliance with safety standards.
  • Engage with product testers to identify possible improvements to existing equipment.
  • Debug and repair real-time issues with down equipment in collaboration with the testing team.
  • Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules to minimize equipment downtime.
  • Serve as a product expert and trainer on all lab equipment, providing training on the safe operation of all equipment.
  • Coordinate with product experts to gather requirements and plan for upcoming projects.
  • Track all equipment to ensure timely calibration, either internally or through external vendors

Scope
  • Staff supervision and development: Yes
  • Decision making: Indirectly supervisor reporting writing responsibilities
  • Travel: Up to 10%
  • Flex Designation: In Office

The anticipated salary range for this position is $98,500 - $147,800 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other applicable field, from an accredited university.

Years of Experience
  • 5+ years of experience in designing and building electro-mechanical systems.

Skills
  • Skilled in designing and fabricating fixtures using processes such as machining, welding, and 3D printing.
  • Strong background in programming and configuring equipment such as PLCs, smart relays, and IOT devices
  • Proficient in CAD software for creating 3D models, 2D prints and wiring schematics.
  • Experience with automated testing systems, data acquisition, and oscilloscopes.
  • Knowledge of safety standards and practices in a lab/testing environment.
  • Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and tracking expenses.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including product experts and testers.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to train and mentor team members on the safe and effective use of lab equipment.
  • Strong organizational skills to maintain equipment inventories and calibration schedules.
  • Proficient in MS Office suite (mainly Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Project).

Physical Requirements
General office environment requiring ability to:
  • Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time.
  • Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing.
  • Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
  • The ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety
  • Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

About Harbor Freight Tools

Harbor Freight Tools is a privately held discount tool and equipment retailer headquartered in Calabasas, California. The company was founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt and has grown to become one of the largest tool and equipment retailers in the United States. Harbor Freight Tools offers a wide range of products, including hand tools, power tools, automotive tools, generators, air compressors, and welding equipment. The company operates over 1,000 stores across the United States and employs over 20,000 people.
Learn more about Harbor Freight Tools
Size
20,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1977

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Harbor Freight Tools

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Engineer III, Product Development & Testing - Piedmont, SC jobs: