Lead Engineer, Forensics & Reliability (Onsite in Anderson, SC)

Job Description

The Lead Engineer, Forensics & Reliability will provide forensic investigation, failure analysis, and testing for forensic analysis and product reliability. When a design, product, structure, or component does not operate or function as planned, the Lead Engineer, Forensics & Reliability will determine and assess the cause of the failure and appropriate corrective measures. The role works closely with key stakeholders in Legal, Global Sourcing, Imports and Trade Compliance, Product Development, Quality Assurance, and Merchandising to execute specific product investigations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigates the origin and cause of alleged failures including potential design or manufacturing defects. Exhibits a sense of urgency in the analysis being performed. Identify and prioritize investigations in coordination with Legal, Product Safety and Compliance, and QA department.
• Help prepare other witnesses in the QA department for depositions. Work closely with our Legal and outside counsel during deposition preparation.
• Provide relevant witness testimony as needed in depositions and trials relating to alleged product failure investigations, product liability claims or product development and design
• Partner with several teams (Legal, Product Safety & Compliance, Call Center, Engineering, Product Development etc.) and maintain working relationships.
• Consult on methods, explain results, and write views on technical data. Participate in product liability claims investigations and intellectual property research
• Supports direct efforts of improvement of product quality, safety and compliance to regulations and industry standards
• Analyzes design, product, structure, or component, and evaluates the quality of construction, reviews design or determines the cause of alleged failures
• Work collaboratively with both internal corporate partners and with extensive vendor base to constantly improve quality and reliability objectives
• Maintain and communicate plans with vendors regarding root cause investigation and implementation of sustainable improvements to support accurate resolution.
• Consult on methods, explain results, and write views on technical data. Present findings and opinions clearly and concisely, allowing complex technical issues to be understood by non-technical audience.
• Handling of samples, including chain of custody and photographic documentation, long term storage, and protection of proprietary information.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by management
• Regular attendance is required

Scope

• Staff supervision and development: No
• Decision making: Represents the company in handling complaints, disputes or resolving grievances
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Flex Designation: Local

Requirements

Education and Experience

Education Requirements

• BS Electrical or Mechanical Engineering focus.
• Advanced Degree in Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical focus, preferred
• Active PE preferred (in the state of employment is preferred). Both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering focus.
• Certified Reliability Engineer, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, Certified Safety Professional, or Certified Fire Investigator preferred.

Years of Experience

• 6+ years' experience in evaluating product failures across a broad range of products including electrical, mechanical or automotive products
• Experience with specific certifications and regulations as follows:
• For electrical products, focus includes, but is not limited to, UL standards, CEC / DoE regulations, lithium battery safety, OSHA/packaging requirements, and HazMat transportation and storage.
• For mechanical products, focus includes, but is not limited to, CPSC requirements, ANSI, ASME, and ASTM.
• For automotive products, focus includes, but is not limited to, NHTSA, FMVSS, SAE, WSTDA, and ASME PASE.
• Legal deposition experience
• Experience with working in global teams

Skills

• Required
• Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, and ability to effectively achieve project established goals and objectives
• Excellence in execution with proven problem-solving capabilities
• Models the Company's values and influences others to achieve individual or team objectives.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing along strict timelines
• Clearly conveys information to individuals or groups in a manner that is understandable, easy to retain and timely.
• Experience in root cause analysis within a large, distributed environment
• Strong sense of urgency, collaborative team style, and ability to quickly adapt to changes in priorities
• Preferred
• A track record of successfully partnering with multiple cross functional key stakeholders, and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.
• Proven ability in problem solving
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient using standard Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Results-oriented.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Able to maintain and develop top-level, internal and external relationships
• Effective communication skills. Crisp and clear. Informs and directs appropriately on both verbal and written fronts

Physical Requirements
General office environment requiring ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time.
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing.
• Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
• The ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety

• Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

About Harbor Freight Tools

We're a 45 year-old, $8 billion national tool retailer with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth potential of a start-up. We have over 1,500 stores in 48 states across the country and are opening several new locations every week. We offer our customers more than 7,000 tools and accessories, from hand tools and generators to air and power tools, from shop equipment to automotive tools. We provide our customers with the right tool for the right job at the right price, always delivering quality and value.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $123,600 - $185,500 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.