Field Performance Engineer

Reliable Safety & Flow Corporation; Liberty (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Reliable Safety & Flow Corporation is seeking a Field Performance Engineer to lead product performance investigations and manage claim-driven returns across all product lines.

The role centers on end-to-end ownership of defect-related returns, conducting forensics, and supporting risk mitigation efforts while communicating findings to internal leadership, customers, and legal teams. Travel to field sites is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 8–10+ years in mechanical systems, product investigation, or forensic engineering.
• Strong understanding of construction practices and mechanical product applications.
• Experience with NFPA codes (13, 25) and UL standards.
• Ability to conduct structured investigations and communicate technical findings.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end management of claim-defective customer returns (RMA/FSR).
• Conduct field investigations and forensic analyses to evaluate product failures.
• Determine root cause using engineering principles and metallurgy knowledge.
• Prepare detailed written reports for leadership, customers, and legal teams.
• Collaborate with Legal, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams on claims defense.
• Interface with customers, contractors, and end users to communicate findings.

Skills

Investigation & forensic engineering

Field investigations

Root cause analysis

Structured reporting

Customer communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Engineering

Tools

NFPA 13/25 knowledge

UL standards familiarity

Metallurgy & materials science

Job description

Description

Reliable Safety & Flow Corporation is seeking a Field Performance Engineer to lead product performance investigations and manage claim-driven product returns across all product lines. This role serves as the central owner of claim-defective customer returns, conducting forensic analysis, supporting legal and risk mitigation efforts, and ensuring confidence in product performance. The ideal candidate combines mechanical engineering expertise with strong communication skills and the ability to operate in high-stakes, customer-facing situations.

Department

Engineering

Location

Liberty, SC

How You Will Help

• Lead end-to-end management of claim-defective customer returns (RMA/FSR), serving as the central point of ownership across the company.
• Conduct field investigations and forensic analyses to evaluate product failures, including site inspections and evidence collection.
• Apply engineering principles, metallurgy knowledge, and failure analysis techniques to determine root cause.
• Prepare detailed written reports summarizing findings for internal leadership, customers, legal teams, and external stakeholders.
• Partner with Legal, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to support litigation, claims defense, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Interface directly with customers, contractors, and end users to communicate findings—including delivering difficult or adverse conclusions professionally.
• Support subrogation and litigation activities, including depositions and expert testimony as required.
• Ensure alignment with NFPA (13, 25), UL, and other applicable industry standards.
• Collaborate with product engineering teams to identify failure trends and drive continuous product improvement.
• Support development and standardization of investigation processes across the company, aligning with established company practices.
• Act as a de facto risk management partner, helping minimize financial exposure from claims and product performance issues.
• Travel to field sites as needed (often short notice) to investigate incidents; typically 2–5 trips per month with overnight travel.
• Work onsite in Liberty, SC when not traveling to access forensic equipment and engineering resources.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, Civil Engineering, Forensic Engineering, or related field (strongly preferred).
• 8–10+ years of experience in mechanical systems, product investigation, forensic engineering, or related industries (manufacturing, construction, automotive, fire protection, etc.).
• Strong understanding of construction practices and mechanical product applications.
• Working knowledge of NFPA codes (13, 25), UL standards, and industry compliance requirements.
• Experience with metallurgy, materials science, and failure mechanisms.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and quality assurance methodologies.
• Ability to conduct structured investigations, design experiments, and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with customers in potentially adversarial situations.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel frequently and respond to field events on short notice.
• Demonstrated stability in career progression.