Product Engineer

James Hardie•Wilmington, OH

28d•$75,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Engineer translates product requirements, industry standards, and building-code evaluation criteria into practical, defensible testing strategies. The role combines standards interpretation, mechanical design, hands-on fabrication (including 3D printing), engineering calculations, and statistical analysis to develop reliable test methods and purpose-built test equipment for current and future products. The engineer studies technical standards, creates 3D models in SolidWorks, builds and instruments test fixtures, analyzes data, and presents recommendations for test plans. The position may develop nonstandard or adapted test protocols where established methods do not fully address a product or performance question, with the aim of creating repeatable methods that may support internal specifications, acceptance criteria, or consensus standards. The role reports to the Codes & Compliance Manager, Outdoor Living Solutions, and is based at the Wilmington Innovation Center. Average travel is approximately 20%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
At least 3 years of relevant experience in product engineering, mechanical design, laboratory testing, test engineering, product development, or a related role.
Hands-on fabrication experience, including 3D modeling and printing.
Strong mathematical and engineering-calculation skills, including the ability to document assumptions, formulas, units, and conclusions.
Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization using Excel, Minitab, or comparable analytical tools.
Working knowledge of ASTM standards, ICC-ES acceptance criteria, IBC, IRC, ANSI requirements, certification/listing agency processes, and related compliance pathways.
Hands-on experience operating and maintaining laboratory test equipment, including universal test machines, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, environmental conditioning equipment, and calibration/verification systems.
Ability to design, fabricate, and modify test fixtures using rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing methods.
Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills across organizational levels.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and project management systems such as Excel, Smartsheet, or MS Project.
Ability to travel an average of approximately 20%.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships internally and externally.
Ability to leverage AI-enabled tools and digital technologies to improve productivity, work quality, learning, and data-driven decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Experience testing building products, polymer composites, PVC, fiber cement, metals, fasteners, decking, railing, cladding, or related construction products.
Knowledge of Canadian codes.

Responsibilities

Interpret ASTM, ANSI, ICC-ES acceptance criteria, building-code provisions, agency requirements, and other technical standards to define test intent, specimen configuration, conditioning, instrumentation, loading, acceptance criteria, and reporting requirements.
Perform engineering calculations supporting test design and product evaluation, including statics, mechanics of materials, adjustment load factors, stress, strain, deflection, section properties, fastener behavior, tolerances, and uncertainty as applicable.
Prepare, submit, and maintain compliance documentation, including ESRs, CCRRs, technical files, and supporting project packages.
Partner with R&D, Quality, Operations, Applications, Marketing, external consultants, and third-party laboratories to align testing and certification activities with business objectives.
Develop adapted, improvised, or novel test protocols when published standards do not adequately address a product, application, or failure mode.
Coordinate with external laboratories and agencies, including Intertek, QAI, ICC-ES, and CCMC, to define test programs, review results, and manage certifications.
Provide technical support to sales, marketing, field service, quality assurance, production, and contract manufacturers.
Perform other duties as assigned.