Principal Design Engineer

Position Summary

Designs specialized fluid control components using computer aided design and drafting (CADD) tools to meet customer requests; and collaborates as necessary to generate details, assembly drawings, models, bills of materials (BOM), design analysis, reports, and procedures. This position requires interactions with the assigned designers, suppliers, and other applicable (production, sales, quality, et cetera) departmental assignees to solicit technical information as well as production capabilities to develop feasible design solutions. Hands-on participation in the test laboratory and related design validation as well as product preparation activities, with various service media and pressures, will be required on an as-needed basis.

The Principal Design Engineer participates in the design and evaluation of production processes for both new and existing products and systems to provide improvements in cost, performance or the facilitation of manufacturing processes using the fundamental principles of mechanical, electrical, industrial, and other engineering disciplines.

Principal Activities

• Works with Sales and Engineering management to develop the technical specifications for fluid control devices.
• Reviews customer Requests for Quote and specifications to develop preliminary design concepts.
• Provides design layout and proposal drawing and models or sufficient data for a designer to layout.
• Provides technical guidance for the preparations of technical proposals.
• Checks outputs from Designers.
• Prepares stress, strain, fluid, thermal, and other engineering calculations as required by assignments.
• Performs at least basic Finite Element Analysis and Computerized Fluid Dynamics analyses as required by assignments.
• Performs preliminary analytical and/or experimental tasks as necessary to demonstrate soundness of conceptual design.
• Follows through on experimental designs to correct design deficiencies and make improvements.
• Investigates production problems when called upon and searches for solutions; advises and assists other department members on design issues.
• Completes forms and relevant documentation within the Engineering department for procurement, fabrication and testing.
• Collaborates with Designers or be able to perform all their activities.
• Generates applicable test and assembly procedures and reports for design verification and manufacturing.
• Initiates requests for fabrication of prototypes and order special materials when required, as well as any fixtures and tooling needed.
• Compiles record of project progress.
• Collaborate with other functional departments (Manufacturing, Quality, etc) to ensure quality product realization in time.
• Reviews non-conformance reports and dispositions material in accordance with the Material Review Board process.
• Prepares and delivers training material to Designers, Design Engineers, Application Engineers, Sales and Customers as needed
• Other duties and tasks as assigned

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Results oriented, with sound judgment.
• Excellent demonstrated verbal and written communication skills with strong, pro-active communication with management on task or project progress, challenges, solutions, and requests for support.
• Excellent demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and strategic skills.
• Interpersonal skills and project leadership skills
• Ability to manage changes during design phase.
• Resourceful and well organized.
• Ability to effectively work in a cross-functional team. Microsoft Office – Strong with Word and Excel.
• MathCAD or Equivalent Engineering Software Tool.
• 3D Modeling (Solidworks) a plus.
• LabView software experience a plus but not necessary.
• ASME B16.5 & B16.34 – Working knowledge.
• ASME Y14.5 - Familiar.
• Stress Analysis - Linear (FEA and/or analytical).
• Seal Design – Working knowledge.
• Fluid Mechanics - Flow Calculations, CFD basic.
• Structural Mechanics - Fastening Methods, Torque Design.
• Machine Elements in Mechanical Design - Strength of Materials, Processing, Finish, et cetera.
• Heat Transfer.
• Tolerance Analysis – Assemblies.
• Technical Writing - Assembly and Test Procedures, Test Reports.
• Compatibility - Lubricants, Service Media, Materials.
• Contamination Control - Familiarity.
• Valve Design Experience a plus.
• Qualification Process and Testing - Experienced.
• Knowledge of related standards and codes.
• Knowledge of solenoid actuators a plus.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university. Relevant mechanical design experience preferred such as at least 12+ years in the design of mechanical components or valves.

• US Citizen