Research Engineer

AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company•Birmingham, AL

17d

About The Position

At AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, the Research Engineer will develop new products and manufacturing processes, improve existing products and processes, diagnose product use issues, and provide technical support and product training to other divisions within AMERICAN and to customers. Designs, develops, and improves new and existing products (including outsourced products), processes and equipment. Provides technical support for Sales and Manufacturing Divisions, including complaint investigations and job site visits. Reads appropriate literature and attends related seminars, conferences, and the like to improve technical and managerial skills. Designs and/or determines product physical properties so that the product meets applicable specifications. Provides training to new Sales Division employees. Performs routine maintenance, installs software, and writes in-house programs for the Technical Services and Product Development Department computers and data acquisition equipment. Consults with outside professionals regarding performing work for AMERICAN. Coordinates various required third-party certifications. Writes and/or critiques reports. Delivers technical presentations in front of groups of various sizes. Supervises product testing in the Technical Services and Product Development laboratory and other locations as required. Makes, modifies, and records research data and drawings as required.

Requirements

Must exhibit a relevant bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Metallurgical/Materials, or Civil Engineering from an ABET EAC accredited program at a four-year college or university. Proof of degree required. A transcript or diploma would be acceptable and must be provided.
Must exhibit a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, computer aided design (CAD), etc.
Must exhibit the ability and willingness to be a hands-on, shop-oriented engineer.
Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Must exhibit the ability to write technical papers and summarize results of research work.
Must exhibit good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with persons of different socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
Must exhibit the ability to cooperate well with other individuals and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Must exhibit the ability to travel as required in order to perform the job duties and represent the Company when needed.
Due to the hazardous nature of the job environment (mobile equipment, overhead cranes, etc.), an acceptable level of vision and hearing is required in order to identify and respond to visual and audible warnings in a safe manner.
Must exhibit the ability to read and interpret complex specifications for projects, such as technical drawings, technical documents, etc.
Must exhibit a tolerance for stress, the ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines under a dynamic work schedule. The nature of this position requires performing job duties with numerous interruptions.
Must be able to climb and work from high places.
Must exhibit a basic working knowledge of shop equipment, machinery, and electricity.
Subject to departmental transfer to other engineering positions within the Manufacturing Division.
Must be able to work extra hours on weekdays, weekends, and holidays as required to fulfill job duties.
Must possess a valid state issued driver's license.
Must exhibit the ability to read and interpret measuring instruments, such as measuring tapes, rulers, calipers, gauges, dial indicators, and micrometers.
Must exhibit the ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately.
Must exhibit good reasoning and analytical skills for identifying and resolving problems.
Must meet the physical requirements for safe operation of mobile equipment as administered by the Company.
Must exhibit the ability to effectively train others.
Must exhibit professionalism and good judgement.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or other engineering modeling software.
Graduate education or professional certification. Proof of degree or certification required. A transcript or diploma would be acceptable and must be provided for proof of graduate education. A copy of the certificate must be provided for proof of achievement.
Exhibit substantial work experience in a manufacturing environment.
Exhibit management and leadership skills.
Work experience with the application of Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Knowledge of robotic integration and programming.
Knowledge of AMERICAN's manufacturing processes and products, or similar processes and products.
Advanced knowledge and/or substantial work experience with the latest technologies and/or control systems.
Prior work experience in electrical engineering, machine shop, metal forming, tooling design, computer science, information technologies, or maintenance.
Possess current Professional Engineering License or, if candidate is a recent graduate, Engineer-In-Training Certification. Proof of license or certification required.
Advanced knowledge and/or substantial work experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other automated control systems.
Prior work experience with root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions, management of change, risk assessment and treatment, audits, and document control.

Responsibilities

Develop new products and manufacturing processes.
Improve existing products and processes.
Diagnose product use issues.
Provide technical support and product training to other divisions within AMERICAN and to customers.
Design, develop, and improve new and existing products (including outsourced products), processes and equipment.
Provide technical support for Sales and Manufacturing Divisions, including complaint investigations and job site visits.
Read appropriate literature and attends related seminars, conferences, and the like to improve technical and managerial skills.
Design and/or determine product physical properties so that the product meets applicable specifications.
Provide training to new Sales Division employees.
Perform routine maintenance, installs software, and writes in-house programs for the Technical Services and Product Development Department computers and data acquisition equipment.
Consult with outside professionals regarding performing work for AMERICAN.
Coordinate various required third-party certifications.
Write and/or critique reports.
Deliver technical presentations in front of groups of various sizes.
Supervise product testing in the Technical Services and Product Development laboratory and other locations as required.
Make, modify, and record research data and drawings as required.