R&D Engineer

Fontaine Trailer Company; Jasper (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fontaine Trailer Company in Jasper, AL, seeks a Mechanical Engineer with 5+ years in heavy-duty trailer design and testing to drive product development and validation efforts. You will manage test centers, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide lab programs to achieve durability and performance goals.

You will lead innovation projects, develop DFMEAs/PFMEAs, and coordinate outside resources while applying the voice of the customer and Stage Gate processes across the BU leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience in heavy-duty trailer design and testing.
• Knowledge of SolidWorks, Ansys FEA and LabVIEW programs.

Responsibilities

• Test Center management to ensure regulatory, performance and durability standards are met.
• Develop and maintain test instructions and data analysis for reports.
• Lead innovation projects and manage external resources as needed.
• Develop DFMEAs/PFMEAs and support IP strategy for new products.
• Collaborate with BU leadership to align with voice of the customer and Stage Gate reviews.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Project management

Team collaboration

Regulatory testing

Education

Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Ansys FEA

LabVIEW

Job description

Fontaine TrailerAs a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.This position plays a key role in supporting our product growth strategy through testing and product development. The Trailer Platform R&D role will collaborate with the various Marmon Commercial Trailer Business Units to drive innovation in support of their Strategic Marketing Maps.This position will have a dual reporting realtionship to the Trailer Business Unit Engineering Leadership and Platform President.Primary ResponsibilitiesTestingManage the Trailer Test Center ensuring trailers and components meet regulatory, performance and durability standards.Ensure test technicians are trained and managed.Write and maintain test work instructions.Maintain and oversee the maintenance, calibration and improvement of lab equipment and procedures.Adhere to all safety standards.Manage test schedule to ensure required deadlines are met.Collect and analyze data.Prepare preliminary test reports for Business Unit Engineers.Maintain a clean and well organized Test Center.Acquire and maintain necessary field evaluation test apparatus.Validation-Develop complete validation test requirements for new trailer components and trailer models.Assist in defining performance, durability, and validation requirements/plan.Product DevelopmentLead and execute Innovation Projects as agreed to by Trailer BU Management.Understand and design to the voice of the customer.Oversee and manage outside resources needed for Innovation Projects.Develop DFMEAs and PFMEAs for new products.Understand the Intellectual Property Landscape and apply for IP when developing new products.Utilize the Stage Gate Design Review process for new projects with BU Eng. Leadership.Required Qualifications· Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering.· Experience in various aspects of commercial trailer design and testing.· Working knowledge of SolidWorks and Ansys FEA/simulations in design structures.· Experience with LabView Graphical programming and software.· Managing FEA work locally and abroad.Experience5+ yrs. of progressive engineering experience in heavy-duty commercial trailer design or closely related products.LocationJasper, AL - Test CenterFollowing receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [e-mail], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.