Field Performance Engineer

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.; Liberty (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. seeks a Field Performance Engineer to lead product performance investigations and manage claim-driven product returns across Reliable and ASC product lines.

The role serves as the central owner of claim-defective returns, performing forensic analysis and supporting legal and risk mitigation efforts. The ideal candidate combines mechanical engineering expertise with strong communication skills, capable of operating in high-stakes, customer-facing situations,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (strongly preferred).
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, with an aptitude for handling adversarial customer situations.
• Ability to conduct structured investigations, design experiments, and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel frequently, including short-notice field events.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end management of claim-defective customer returns (RMA/FSR) and own the process across the company.
• Conduct field investigations and forensic analyses to evaluate product failures, including site inspections.
• Apply engineering principles, metallurgy knowledge, and failure analysis techniques to determine root cause.
• Prepare detailed written reports for leadership, customers, legal teams, and external stakeholders.
• Partner with Legal, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing to support litigation and risk mitigation.
• Interface with customers, contractors, and end users to communicate findings professionally.
• Support subrogation and litigation activities, including depositions and expert testimony as needed.
• Ensure alignment with NFPA (13, 25), UL standards and industry compliance.
• Collaborate with product engineering to identify failure trends and drive product improvement.
• Develop and standardize investigation processes across ASC aligned with Reliable practices.
• Act as a risk management partner to minimize financial exposure from claims and product issues.
• Travel to field sites as needed (often on short notice); typically 2–5 trips per month with overnight travel.
• Work onsite in Liberty, SC when not traveling to access forensic equipment and resources.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company is seeking a Field Performance Engineer to lead product performance investigations and manage claim-driven product returns across both Reliable and ASC 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 ASC, aligning with established Reliable 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.