Validation Engineering Associate

Position Purpose:

Provide product validation support for:

• The development of new products
• The modification of current products
• The overall understanding of product function

Essential Functions:

• Develop product designs via analytical methods to assure product durability and reliability prior to engineering release. These methods could include the use of specialized analysis software, such as ANSYS (FEA), ADAMS (Dynamics), or Fe-Safe (Fatigue), as well as 3D CAD modeling, hand calculations, free body diagrams, curve fitting, etc. 55%
• Participate in the setup of physical tests and performance evaluations to ensure the highest level of virtual model correlation is achieved. 25%
• Develop procedures/macros to automate the analysis process. 10%
• Participate in model correlation team activities and ensure modeling strategies are optimal. 10%

Education and Training

• A Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required. A Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is a plus.
• Three to five years engineering experience is desired.

Minimum Qualifications

• A thorough understanding of engineering fundamentals and ability to perform hand calculations is required. Ability to use computer software for plotting and curve fitting is necessary.
• Experience using a Finite Element Analysis software (such as ANSYS) for stress and strain analysis is required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the desire for hands-on understanding of the product and associated physical testing is required.
• Course work in the areas of Structural Analysis, Finite Element Methods, Fatigue, and Vehicle Dynamics is a plus.

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.

Req Benefits: We offer a full complement of benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, travel, and disability insurance; a flexible spending account; 401K plans; a pension plan; paid holidays and vacation. We also offer financial assistance programs if you decide to adopt a child or want to pursue further education. We have a comprehensive wellness program and an Employee Assistance Program, that supports individuals in the proactive management of their overall health and wellness.