Product Validation Engineer (R&D) – Fluid Connectors

Company Description

Stäubli is a value driven technological solutions provider with four dedicated activities: Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile. We strive for innovation and excellence and are market leaders in many industrial segments. Stäubli guarantees high quality, reliability, and performance - our strong basis for the trusted partnership with our customers worldwide.

Job Description

The Product Validation Engineer (R&D) is responsible for planning, developing, and executing testing and validation activities for fluid connector products and related mechanical systems. This hands-on role supports the development of new products, product enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives by conducting laboratory testing, analyzing performance data, and verifying compliance with design requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with R&D, Product Management, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to evaluate product performance, durability, reliability, and safety throughout the product development lifecycle.

Reports to:

Head of R&D, FCS North America

Responsibilities and Objectives:

• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and validation protocols for new and existing fluid connector products.
• Design, assemble, and maintain laboratory test fixtures, instrumentation, and test equipment used for product evaluation.
• Perform mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, environmental, durability, reliability, and performance testing.
• Analyze test results and prepare detailed technical reports with conclusions and recommendations.
• Document product performance, identify issues, and support root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design engineers throughout the product development process to verify product requirements and design performance.
• Support engineering change requests and continuous product improvement initiatives through testing and validation activities.
• Ensure testing activities comply with applicable industry standards, internal specifications, and safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, test records, and traceability of results.
• Recommend improvements to testing methods, laboratory capabilities, and validation processes.
• Support prototype evaluation and design verification activities prior to product release.
• Adhere to all safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in product testing, validation, laboratory engineering, or product development environments.
• Experience supporting new product development and product launch activities preferred.
• Experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience working with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or industrial products is preferred.

Technical Skills & Tools

• Knowledge of engineering test methods and product validation processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, measurement equipment, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications for technical reporting and analysis.
• Experience with CAD software and engineering data management systems preferred.
• Understanding of product reliability testing, performance testing, and engineering standards.
• Familiarity with pressure, flow, leakage, cycle-life, durability, or environmental testing is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or fluid handling products.
• Familiarity with Design Verification (DV) and Product Validation (PV) methodologies.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and automated data collection systems.
• Knowledge of reliability testing and statistical analysis methods.
• Exposure to industrial connector products, fluid systems, or related technologies.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements:

• Periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry objects
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times
• Dexterity and accuracy as needed to operate equipment

Work schedule:

• Willingness to travel as required both domestically and internationally (up to 10%)
• This position is based onsite at our Duncan, SC location.

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Stäubli Corporation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.