Job Details

Job DescriptionThe 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 ResponsibilitiesInvestigates the origin and cause of alleged failures including potential design or manufacturing defectsExhibits a sense of urgency in the analysis being performedIdentify and prioritize investigations in coordination with Legal, Product Safety and Compliance, and QA departmentHelp prepare other witnesses in the QA department for depositionsWork closely with our Legal and outside counsel during deposition preparationProvide relevant witness testimony as needed in depositions and trials relating to alleged product failure investigations, product liability claims or product development and designPartner with several teams (Legal, Product Safety & Compliance, Call Center, Engineering, Product Development, etc.) and maintain working relationshipsConsult on methods, explain results, and write views on technical data; participate in product liability claims investigations and intellectual property researchSupport direct efforts of improvement in product quality, safety and compliance to regulations and industry standardsAnalyze design, product, structure, or component, evaluate the quality of construction, review design or determine the cause of alleged failuresWork collaboratively with both internal corporate partners and with extensive vendor base to constantly improve quality and reliability objectivesMaintain and communicate plans with vendors regarding root cause investigation and implementation of sustainable improvements to support accurate resolutionConsult 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 audienceHandle samples, including chain of custody and photographic documentation, long‑term storage, and protection of proprietary informationAdditional responsibilities as assigned by managementRegular attendance is requiredScopeStaff supervision and development: NoDecision making: Represents the company in handling complaints, disputes or resolving grievancesTravel: Up to 10%Flex Designation: LocalCompensation and BenefitsThe anticipated salary range for this position is $126,700 – $190,100 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 401(k) 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.RequirementsEducation and ExperienceBS Electrical or Mechanical Engineering focusAdvanced Degree in Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical focus preferredActive Professional Engineer (PE) preferred (state of employment is preferred). Both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering focusCertified Reliability Engineer, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, Certified Safety Professional, Certified Product Safety Professional, or Certified Fire Investigator preferredYears of Experience: 7+ years' experience in evaluating product failures across a broad range of products including electrical, mechanical or automotive productsExperience with specific certifications and regulations (1 year):For electrical products: UL standards, CEC / DoE regulations, lithium battery safety, OSHA/packaging requirements, and HazMat transportation and storageFor mechanical products: CPSC requirements, ANSI, ASME, and ASTMFor automotive products: NHTSA, FMVSS, SAE, WSTDA, and ASME PASELegal deposition experience (1 year)Experience with working in global teams (1 year)Thorough understanding of the principles of the scientific method and forensic analysis. Ability to apply principles during investigations with minimal oversight (1 year)Proficiency in working with a wide range of equipment including electronic testing equipment, small motor dynamometer, AC/DC load banks, data acquisition systems, environmental chambers, hardness testers, and other lab tools (1 year)Understanding of advanced mechanical and/or electrical systems and ability to apply knowledge to product investigations. Ability to communicate mechanical and/or electrical principles to others as required (1 year)Skills (Required)Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, and ability to effectively achieve project established goals and objectivesExcellence in execution with proven problem‑solving capabilitiesModels the Company's values and influences others to achieve individual or team objectivesAbility to handle multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing along strict timelinesClearly conveys information to individuals or groups in a manner that is understandable, easy to retain and timelyExperience in root cause analysis within a large distributed environmentStrong sense of urgency, collaborative team style, and ability to quickly adapt to changes in prioritiesSkills (Preferred)A track record of successfully partnering with multiple cross‑functional key stakeholders, and ability to work in a highly collaborative environmentProven ability in problem solvingClear verbal and written communication skillsProficient using standard Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)Results‑orientedStrong interpersonal skills; able to maintain and develop top‑level, internal and external relationshipsEffective communication skills. Crisp and clear. Informs and directs appropriately on both verbal and written frontsPhysical RequirementsStand, walk, sit for extended periods of timeSpeak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencingUse keyboard and read from computer screen and reportsThe ability to lift up to 15 lbs.SafetyMust 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr