Engineering Manager – Product Validation

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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.