Field Performance & Failure Analysis 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 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,