Field Performance Engineer

Reliable Sprinkler Co.; South Carolina; On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Reliable Sprinkler Co. seeks a Field Performance Engineer in Liberty, SC to lead product performance investigations and manage customer product returns. This role combines mechanical engineering expertise with strong communication skills to effectively analyze product failures and support legal initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience in related fields and be skilled in conducting structured investigations. Strong understanding of NFPA codes and willingness to travel frequently is essential.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in mechanical systems or related industries.
• Strong understanding of construction practices and mechanical product applications.
• Working knowledge of NFPA codes and UL standards.
• Experience with metallurgy and failure mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of claim-defective customer returns.
• Conduct field investigations and forensic analyses.
• Prepare detailed reports summarizing findings.
• Support litigation, claims defense and risk mitigation.
• Interface directly with customers and contractors.
• Travel to field sites for investigations.

Skills

Mechanical engineering expertise

Strong communication skills

Ability to conduct structured investigations

Interpersonal skills

Ability to operate in high-stakes situations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Forensic analysis tools

Engineering software

Job description

Field Performance Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Liberty, SC

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.

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.