Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
8-10 years of engineering experience in automotive or heavy equipment
3 years of supervisory experience with technical professionals
Experience in structural design, fatigue analysis, and life prediction techniques
Familiarity with multi-axis servo hydraulic test equipment operation
Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on testing experience
Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis and Multi-Body Dynamics
Responsibilities
Ensure safety in the office and laboratory, maintaining OSHA VPP Star Certification
Manage and lead technical professionals, providing coaching and development opportunities
Develop and review key performance metrics for testing projects
Lead structural and dynamic performance testing of products
Oversee laboratory evaluations and proving ground testing
Manage validation documentation for product development processes
Develop and monitor the annual department budget
Benefits
Opportunities for employee development and coaching
Access to state-of-the-art testing and evaluation technologies
Involvement in continuous improvement initiatives
Supportive work environment with safety protocols
Access to refreshments during hot seasons and regular breaks in air-conditioned areas
Full Job Description
Position Purpose:
Responsible for leadership of the Research and Development laboratory of the Trailer Division. Manages the operations of equipment and personnel for the safe & efficient throughput of physical testing and the material analysis group. Reviews and approves product validation and qualification reports. Works collaboratively with other engineering technical leaders to develop and maintain state-of-the-art testing and evaluation technologies for optimizing product development programs. Management of direct reports including Engineers, Supervisors, Coordinators, and Technicians.
Essential Functions:
Ensures safety in the office and laboratory and maintains OSHA VPP Star Certification
Effectively manages technical professionals, provides leadership, coaching, and opportunities for employee development
Develops and reviews key performance metrics to ensure efficient throughput of testing projects
Leads structural and dynamic performance testing of current and proposed products
Leads laboratory evaluation and proving ground testing
Manages validation and sign-off documentation in support of the product development and product change processes
Develops the annual department budget, while monitoring and controlling labor, material, and capital expenditures
Performs annual tax credit review of R&D project hours
Works with Test Laboratory Supervisor to maintain equipment health and maximize test machine uptime
Collaborates with other Hendrickson Division Validation groups in support of continuous improvement and Validation Excellence initiatives
Drives continuous improvement through adoption of more efficient evaluation techniques
Education and Training
A Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required, or equivalent demonstrated industry experience in a technical leadership position
Minimum Qualifications
8-10 years engineering experience in automotive (preferably commercial vehicles), heavy equipment, or related industry is desired
Three years of experience with the supervision of technical professionals
Demonstrated experience in structural design, including fatigue analysis and life prediction techniques is required
Demonstrated experience with multi-axis servo hydraulic test equipment operation is desired
A thorough understanding of engineering fundamentals is required
Strong mechanical aptitude and the desire for hands-on understanding of the product and associated physical testing is required
Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis methods and Multi-Body Dynamics is required
Physical Demands
Ability to lift and maneuver up to 25lbs with occasional twisting, reaching, and out of position body placement
Ability to maneuver and guide objects heavier than 25lbs with assistance from a crane, hoist, or other lifting device
Ability to drive powered industrial truck to position test fixtures and test samples
Ability to physically work on the underside of a Class 8 trailer - use of a roll-around stool, knee pads, or creeper is encouraged. Ability to use precision tools with fine dexterity to affix sensors to test samples - may require out of position body placement
Must be able to wear all required PPE - safety glasses, steel toe boots, and hearing protection when required
Ability to perform all required job tasks in a heated/non-air-conditioned test laboratory - refreshments provided during hot seasons; regular "breather" breaks are encouraged in the air-conditioned R&D office area
Ability to remain seated at a computer workstation for data entry, up to a couple hours at a time - brief stretching breaks are encouraged to reduce muscle stiffness and eye fatigue
*NOTE: None of the physical lifting and manipulation within the job duties is repetitive
Environmental Conditions
Exposure to R&D and manufacturing setting
Approximately 50% desk/computer work in a temperature-controlled office environment and 50% work in a test laboratory environment that is heated in winter and fan cooled in summer
Behavioral Traits
Highly self-motivated
Able to work with minimal supervision
Ability to function in a fast-paced environment and tend to multiple projects with tight schedules
*This is not a comprehensive list of duties. Duties may change without notice in management's sole discretion.
