Test and Prototype Engineer

MSA - The Safety Company; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSA Safety is seeking a technically savvy Staff Engineer I/II to advance sensor prototyping and testing, bridging chemistry, electrical engineering, and software disciplines. You will develop test plans, manage lab assets, and contribute to product development in a hands-on lab environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration, rigorous testing, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to mentor interns and participate in lab modernization.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Hands-on lab experience.
• Experience automating test setups or data acquisition (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB).
• Experience with rapid prototyping and fabrication methods.
• Ability to follow test procedures and quality systems with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support and accelerate new product development through sensor prototyping and testing.
• Lead prototyping activities from conceptualization to commercialization.
• Develop sensor lab capabilities and manage lab assets.
• Organize and execute test plans with timely execution and attention to detail.
• Compile and analyze test results, guiding next steps.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Lab experience

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

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.

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!

• 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 thruput 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