PRIMARY FUNCTION

This position is responsible for developing creative solutions to resolve fire protection product challenges.  The primary function is to improve long-term performance of products and maintain regulatory compliance for all products and systems in the Viking product line.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops familiarity with products and manufacturing processes across the Viking portfolio including, but not limited to Sprinklers, Valves, Special Hazards (Foams and Gases), Detection and CPVC products.
• Ensure compliance by maintaining working knowledge of approval standards, company manuals, and other test literature.
• Maintains product certification by performing root causes investigations and developing robust corrective actions to resolve audit findings, as needed.
• Coordinates product testing and recertification activities with approval agencies such as UL, FM, NSF, VdS, LPCB, and IAPMO.
• Evaluates product compliance against approval agency standard changes, develops strategy to maintain compliance, and aids in coordination of resolution activities.
• Analyzes assigned projects for risks and develops plans to mitigate throughout investigative process. Effectively communicates risks and lessons learned to stakeholders and interested parties.
• Leads projects using defined project management tools and ISO process. Manages projects to scope, on time, and within budget requirements.
• Utilize engineering tools, advanced technologies, and external resources, if required, to investigate solutions for improving long-term performance of products.
• Coordinates with Purchasing, Supplier and Manufacturing Quality, and Manufacturing Engineering counterparts during all stages of projects to achieve product designs and solutions capable of manufacture.
• Create engineering drawings and specifications to ensure predictable assembly and performance to design intentions, utilizing GD&T and Viking engineering standard practices.
• Communicates with customers and project stakeholders to ensure design targets are understood, status is conveyed, roadblocks are mitigated, and any changes in scope are evaluated throughout the project.
• Leads activity with approval laboratories to ensure timely completion of projects with goal of 100% First Pass Yield.
• Coordinates with Test Engineer to design, adapt and develop internal test methods, procedures, and test equipment to correlate with approval lab and simulate external customer requirements.
• Analyze manufacturing data as required to benchmark for future products, to ensure continued performance to design intent, and assess product lines for opportunities for improvement.
   
• Ensures documentation of project activity throughout the project, including project logs, reports, test procedures, lab work orders, laboratory test requests, material requisitions, purchase order requirements, bill of materials, and engineering change requests.
• Follows safety protocols while operating machines and other equipment within R&D Lab, and ensure equipment, testing and lab work areas maintain a high level of cleanliness.
• Operates test and inspection equipment as needed, including but not limited to Comparator, Contracer, Calipers, Thread Gages, Instron, Hydrostatic and Leakage test equipment.
• Ownership of product engineering change implementation from initiation through closure.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. 
• High level of analytical ability. Strong problem-solving skills are required.
• 3-7 years’ experience in product design and development or applicable experience.
• Practical application of GD&T, datum dimensioning and tolerance stack-ups.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes preferred, including CNC machining, die casting, forging, stamping and automated assembly.
• Demonstrated teamwork, project management, communication and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent.
• Understanding of basic FEA and experience analyzing output.