Engineering Manager, Tools Technology

Victaulic•Easton, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Victaulic seeks an experienced engineering leader to serve as Engineering Manager, Tools Technology within the Global Tools & Materials Technology Group at its Easton, PA headquarters. This role leads the mechanical development of new pipe preparation tools — spanning roll grooving, cut grooving, hole cutting, and specialty tools — as well as product line maintenance of Victaulic’s broad installed base of field and shop tools deployed worldwide. The Engineering Manager, Tools Technology works as a peer to and in close collaboration with the Manager, Electrical Engineering to integrate smart technologies, controls, and connectivity into next-generation tool platforms. Domestic and international travel required (up to 15%).

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent required; M.S. or management training a plus.
Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering experience in machine design or electromechanical product development; depth in pipe preparation tools, forming machinery, or related heavy-duty industrial equipment preferred.
Minimum 5 years of direct engineering management experience; proven record of successful new product development from concept through commercialization.
Deep expertise in machine and fixture design: structural frames, forming roll systems, linkages, gearing, bearings, hydraulic and mechanical actuation, and precision motion systems; proficiency in FEA tools (SolidWorks Simulation, Ansys, or equivalent).
Proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent) for 3D modeling and detailed drawings; GD&T per ASME Y14.5; familiarity with pipe groove specifications (OGS, AGS, IGS) across carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and PVC/CPVC pipe.
Working knowledge of electrical and controls systems (PLC/HMI, wiring schematics) and connected tool technologies (automated measurement, remote diagnostics, proximity sensing) sufficient for effective mechanical-electrical co-development.
Familiarity with global machinery safety standards: EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, UL 508A, NFPA 79, CSA, and CE/UKCA marking; experience with FMEA and design validation methodologies.
Proven ability to prioritize, manage concurrent programs, and deliver results in a fast-paced global product development environment; creative problem-solver with strong business acumen.
Flexible and adaptable with excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and engaging cross-functional stakeholders across engineering, marketing, manufacturing, and field service.

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design of new pipe preparation tools from concept through production launch; define and own tool architecture including structural frames, forming roll systems, hydraulic and mechanical actuation, depth-setting mechanisms, safety guarding, and pipe support systems.
Drive mechanical analysis (static, dynamic, FEA, tolerance stack-ups) and design validation to ensure tools meet groove specification requirements (OGS, AGS, IGS) across all rated pipe materials, schedules, and size ranges; oversee prototype build, testing, and Gage R&R studies.
Ensure designs accommodate global deployment requirements: multi-voltage power configurations, international regulatory compliance (EU Machinery Directive, CE/UKCA, UL, CSA), and varied field and shop environments.
Provide direction on intellectual property and patent strategy in coordination with Victaulic Patent Counsel.
Partner with the Manager, Electrical Engineering to define the integrated mechanical-electrical architecture of new tool platforms, ensuring mechanical designs accommodate controls integration: cabinet mounting, sensor placement, actuator interfaces, and wiring routing.
Jointly develop tools with embedded smart capabilities: automated groove measurement and pass/fail confirmation, proximity-based safety systems, remote diagnostics, Ethernet connectivity, and HMI-driven operator interfaces.
Align on regulatory compliance for electromechanical systems and drive a shared product development roadmap that integrates mechanical and electrical technology advancements.
Oversee product line maintenance for Victaulic’s full installed base of pipe preparation tools worldwide; manage field issue resolution, design changes, and documentation (drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, revision histories).
Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions; ensure tooling accessories (grooving rolls, groove confirmation gauges, pipe stands) are maintained in alignment with tool platforms and groove specifications.
Support manufacturing troubleshooting, process deviations, and continuous improvement initiatives for tool performance, reliability, and cost.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical and mechatronics engineers; assign projects across new development, product line maintenance, and corrective action workstreams; conduct performance reviews and support career development.
Partner with the Director, Engineering, Tools & Materials to define and execute the Tools Technology roadmap; evaluate new initiatives against Victaulic’s commercialization criteria and manage vendor-developed tool programs as applicable.
Collaborate with Product Management to identify, prioritize, and implement the product roadmap and product line consolidation initiatives, ensuring engineering efforts are aligned with market needs and strategic portfolio objectives.
Foster cross-functional collaboration with the Electrical Engineering team, Marketing, Quality, Manufacturing, and global field service; ensure effective utilization of engineering resources.