Staff Engineer

Essential Functions

• Design, develop and implement Research and Development (R&D) projects, including testing of materials to study process-properties relationships and building models for virtual engineering, development of new laboratory testing procedures, and other intellectual property activities.
• Plan and execute experiments on manufacturing lines and gather data to analyze and document results.
• Drive development of predictive models based on data gathered from experimental works.
• Put forward design and process improvement opportunities with a data-driven approach.
• Identify, develop and collaborate with internal teams and external organizations on projects based on strategic fit.
• Design and perform tests using R&D lab equipment, followed by the documentation of standard operating procedures and test reports.
• Support R&D in trials on new projects and product launches at different manufacturing locations.
• Present and communicate research results internally and externally and help develop intellectual property.
• Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:

• 4 Years - Experience in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Mechanics or Material Science
  • 4 Years - Experience in Position, industry or in a Research laboratory
  • 4 Years - Experience working with engineers, graduate researchers, interns or lab assistants

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 6 Years- Experience in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Mechanics or Material Science
  • 6 Years - Experience in Position, industry or in a Research laboratory
  • 6 Years - Experience working with engineers, graduate researchers, interns or lab assistants

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

Competencies

Proficiency in, but not limited to:

• Advanced data analysis and simulation capabilities
• Publication quality communication skills (documents and presentations)
• Proven experience with analytical laboratory equipment such as a Material Strength Testers, Full-Field Measurement techniques (strain), thermal analysis techniques (DMA, DSC), etc.
• Skills with handling large data sets and analysis tools like Matlab, Python, etc..
• Problem Solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Detail oriented and accurate - minimizes mistakes, follows every step in a process and follows through with all tasks
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of subject matter.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group.
• Oral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; demonstrates presentation skills.
• Written Communication - writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Microsoft Office Products.

Beneficial, but not required:

• Injection molding or blow molding experience.

Lifting Requirements:

• 40 lbs. For example, must be physically capable to change injection molds and resin in lab or production equipment.

Physical Demands:

• Travel up to 15%. Some work in hot, cold, or confined production environments.
• Must be able to operate tools used when changing molds and operating R&D equipment.

This position embodies the values of Niagara's LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

• Lead Like an Owner
  • Makes safety the number one priority
  • Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately
  • Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals
  • Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly
  • Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively
  • Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers
• InnovACT
  • Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products
  • Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances
  • Increases performance through greater efficiency
• Find a Way
  • Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts
  • Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions
  • Seeks solutions rather than placing blame
• Empowered to be Great
  • Consistently looks for ways to improve one's self through growth and development opportunities
  • Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across
  • Communicates effectively to manage expectations

Education

• Minimum Required:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Materials engineering and other related fields or equivalent experience.

• Preferred:
  • Master's Degree in Mechanical/Materials engineering and other related fields or equivalent experience.

Certification/License:

• Required: N/A
• Preferred: N/A

Foreign Language

• Required: None Required
• Preferred: Minimum Professional Proficiency, Spanish