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 h
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