R&D Product Engineer

At Forte Opening Solutions, we don't just manufacture doors; we create pathways to possibilities. We empower our employees to shape the future of our industry. Join a team where craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology, and where your ideas can open new doors. Together, we build not just products, but a culture of excellence and collaboration.

This position is responsible for designing and testing single product configurations and/or product families. Additional responsibilities include clarifying, documenting, and communicating product specifications.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Research and evaluate applicability of available materials for door and associated applications.
• Participate in the development of new materials offering significant improvements in door and associated applications.
• Evaluate the effect of material and process changes on current product approvals.
• Generate and testing doors and other associated designs to meet the organizational goals.
• Develop and maintain specifications and technical documentation.
• Maintain the testing laboratory facilities including furnace and equipment certifications, safe operating procedures, records, maintenance, and housekeeping.
• Produce and maintain written, electronic, video, and photographic documentation in support of third-party fire, acoustic, security and performance approvals.
• Conduct and document evaluations of competitive products and processes.
• Provide technical support to our customers through verbal and written communication.
• Provide technical support to our customers by facilitating label agency communications and field inspections.
• Function as liaison for in-plant labeling agency inspections and fire labeling activities.
• Provides supervision for product development technician(s).
• Interface with Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Manufacturing personnel in the implementation of new products or processes or in troubleshooting current products or processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education/Skills/Experience:
A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field is required. 3-5 years of work experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred. The ability to follow all safety and environmental policies and procedures is required. Experience with computer drafting software (Autodesk Inventor) is a plus. Excellent PC Desktop skills are required. Ability to read templates is also a plus. Excellent interpersonal and teaming skills are required. Experience working within a regulatory environment is preferred.

Physical Demands:

This position is primarily an office position but also involves the operation of testing and common shop equipment. In addition to sitting, standing, walking, talking, listening, hearing, speaking, writing, typing, filing, requirements include lifting up to 100 lbs, working on ladders, pushing, operating hand tools, and use of personal protective equipment. This position also involves exposure to electrical office and shop equipment such as calculator, computer, telephone, fax machine, circular saw, table saw, router, drill, etc. Shop floor interface will involve negotiating stairways, and/or operating elevator and fire doors encountered in the mill setting.

Mental Demands:
Continuous or concentrated mental and visual attention required in performing design work, evaluation of written documentation, and administrative duties, and complex work involving a high degree of accuracy and quality. Manual dexterity and close visual attention for sustained periods is also required.

Hazards:

Exposure to power and testing equipment either individually or while working with others will involve moderate exposure to non-life-threatening injuries.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily in a controlled office and/or lab environment. Periodic contact with shop and manufacturing environments will involve exposure to dust, fumes, and loud noise.