Test and Prototype Engineer

MSA, The Safety Company; Cranberry Township (Butler County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSA Safety is seeking a hands‑on Staff Engineer to join the global R&D team focused on life‑protecting sensors and systems. You will help develop and support sensor prototyping, testing, and performance evaluation for XCell sensors and related platforms.

You will build and automate lab capabilities, manage test assets, and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and throughput while collaborating with engineers across disciplines and mentoring interns as available.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills.
• Hands‑on experience in a lab setting.
• Experience automating test setups or data acquisition with Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB.
• Experience with rapid prototyping techniques and fabrication methods.
• Experience analyzing experimental data and performing uncertainty or statistical analysis.
• Ability to follow test procedures, work instructions, and quality systems with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support and accelerate new product development through sensor prototyping and testing.
• Develop understanding of sensor design, manufacturing, and performance; define prototyping/testing plans with product teams.
• Lead prototyping activities from concept to commercialization; organize and execute tests with timely, thorough execution.
• Develop and maintain lab capabilities and assets; assemble test equipment and gas delivery systems.
• Lead lab modernization, automation, safety, and efficiency improvements; ensure high‑quality results.
• Mentor co‑ops and interns when available.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Lab experience

Automation testing

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Soldering

Job description

Overview

Are you someone who is passionate, motivated, and driven to make a difference? If so, MSA Safety is the perfect fit for your career.

At MSA, SAFETY is who we are AND it is what we do. We are a purpose-driven company committed to deploying innovation and technology to deliver on our Mission to help protect people and assets all around the world. We continue to be relentless in our pursuit of solving our customers greatest problems so they can go home safe each and every day.

Are you in? Read on for more details about this particular role.

Responsibilities

We are looking for a technically savvy, engaged, and inquisitive team member with a passion for hands‑on problem‐solving and continuous improvement. If you like sensors and technology, have a customer‑focused mindset, and are imaginative, creative, and hands‑on, we want to hear from you!

You will be working in our global R&D team to help develop and support a wide range of life‑protecting systems, including our XCell® electrochemical and catalytic bead sensors. In this role, you will:

• Support and accelerate new product development through sensor prototyping and testing.
  • Develop an in‑depth understanding of electrochemical and catalytic bead sensor design, manufacturing, and performance
  • Collaborate with product development teams to define sensor prototyping and testing plans
  • Lead prototyping activities that support developing sensor technologies from conceptualization to commercialization
  • Organize and execute test plans, with a focus on timely execution and attention to detail
  • Compile and analyze test results, making recommendations on next steps
• Develop world‑class sensor laboratory capabilities and manage lab assets.
  • Develop and/or assemble sensor test equipment, fixtures, and gas delivery systems that are critical to product development and continuous improvement activities.
  • Develop and maintain uncertainty analyses on sensor and instrument test systems
  • Lead lab modernization and test automation efforts that improve associate safety, lab throughput efficiency, and reduce opportunities for human error
  • Champion chemical lab hygiene and best practices, and lead continuous improvement initiatives as appropriate
  • Assist in the maintenance of lab facilities and equipment
• Depending on your experience and interest: mentor and train university‑level co‑ops and interns

This role is right for you if:

• You want your work to be meaningful.
• You enjoy hands‑on work that is often cross‑disciplinary, bridging concepts from chemistry and chemical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, coding/programming, and design.
• You are comfortable with technology, innovation, and working in a dynamic lab setting.
• You are motivated by a collaborative environment, and by helping others with the goal of reaching larger goals together.
• You enjoy working within a global team and with a diverse group of peers, ranging from interns to PhD‑level experts.
• You are a problem‑solver who is not afraid to bring new ideas to the table, and take charge of implementing them.
• You are organized, detail‑oriented, and a good communicator.

Qualifications

Experience and skills required:

• Very strong communication and project management skills.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills.
• Hands‑on experience in a lab setting.
• Demonstrated experience automating test setups or data acquisition systems using tools like Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB
• Demonstrated experience with rapid prototyping techniques and fabrication methods.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing experimental data and performing measurement uncertainty or statistical analysis (error propagation, precision/accuracy analysis).
• Ability to follow test procedures, work instructions, and quality systems with attention to detail.

Experience and skills that are a plus:

• Experience in a laboratory, R&D, or product development environment
• Experience setting up, operating, or troubleshooting gas handling/delivery systems, mass flow controllers, or lab test fixtures
• Background in chemical hygiene protocols, e.g. managing potential hazards such as chemical compatibility, chemical spill/exposure hazards, and/or pressurized gas cylinders
• Experience with SolidWorks
• Soldering skills
• Leadership skills

Education required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering discipline

This position is available at three different career levels based upon experience, education, etc.:

• Staff Engineer I: No experience required
• Staff Engineer II: 2 years relevant experience
  • MS degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience