Mechanical Engineer

Department: R&D Valves

Reports to: Head of Global Valves

Location: Nor-Cal Products, Inc. dba Pfeiffer Vacuum Valves & Engineering (Pfeiffer Vacuum V&E)

FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY

Responsible for new product development activities, including running projects and providing engineering technical support to ensure that new product goals and specifications are achieved through manufacturing release and continuous improvement of product design, equipment, materials, processes and manufacturing practices. Position may require travel and overnight stay on workdays, and weekends.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Exercise of judgment, discretion, and tact in all business matters and business relationships is required. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain clear and cooperative working relationships with co-workers and demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality are essential. The organization’s leadership promotes collaborative problem solving in both formal and informal work teams. Participation in and contribution to teamwork within the organization is required. Necessary interpersonal skills include being a self-starter, motivated, creative, flexible, self-confident, deadline oriented and able to multi-task. Employees must follow all quality and safety procedures of the company, including those at customer sites if applicable, and must abide by the corporate Code of Conduct in all situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Duties

1. Lead new product development activities, including product definition, design, prototyping, testing, and release to Production of various vacuum-related products and services.
2. Lead cross-functional teams made up of other engineers, sales & marketing, manufacturing, and other diverse personnel.
3. Create appropriate documentation packages to ensure the manufacture of quality products that meet the specifications stipulated.
4. Evaluation and proposal of mechanical designs.
5. Lead and participate in the evaluation and recommendation of raw materials and suppliers.
6. Interface with Sales to support customer applications, cost estimates, product design, quality and manufacturability.
7. Train Production / Assembly / Quality Assurance personnel as required on approved manufacturing, test and inspection procedures.
8. Support interdepartmental personnel by assisting and consulting on issues involving mechanical, metallurgical, and vacuum engineering principals.
9. Prepare, input and maintain specific data, in written or spreadsheet format.
10. Prepare internal and external written correspondence.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

85% inside, climate / noise-controlled office, and 15% high noise level machine shop environment; lifting to 75 lbs on occasion. Eye and hearing protection may be required, and other protective clothing required by customers.

Tasks require walking, sitting, bending, reaching, mobility, frequent lifting and pushing/pulling. Work requires computer skills (word processing, spreadsheet, and data-entry), attention to detail and accuracy. Communication skills including listening and speaking are required for interaction with other employees, vendors, and customers. Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to balance multiple tasks and any stress associated with the duties and responsibilities of this position are essential requirements in the performance of this job.

Secondary duties with added requirements may be assigned from time to time.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Company Values

Pfeiffer Vacuum V&E believes that we are all suppliers and customers of someone in our organization. Our employees must be able to demonstrate this customer-centric belief - which means that you are value-adding, reliable, performance-driven, innovative, service-minded, and agile – in all of their business activities. We expect that our company values of open mindedness, trust, communication, thinking strategically/being creative, being courageous, accountable, and humble, ethical sensitivity/compliance, resilience/facing diversity and fostering a culture of empowerment, engagement and collaboration will drive the actions of our employees.

General Qualifications

1. Familiarity with state-of-the-art engineering methodologies as they pertain to manufacturing stainless steel, high-vacuum chambers, mechanisms, and components is beneficial.
2. Must have strong organizational and time-management skills in order to prioritize and complete competing multiple projects simultaneously.
3. Familiar with CAD/CAM process and requirements to accurately input, manipulate and access information using complex computers and software programs. Solidworks or NX preferred, experience with FEA and CFD tools a plus.
4. Familiarity with vacuum related test equipment such as RGA and He leak checkers, as well as life cycle testers and other complex lab equipment.
5. Technical writing skills to include the preparation of engineering test protocols, engineering test reports, and manufacturing Standard Operating Procedures.
6. Familiar with SAP (or other ERP) and the engineering documentation processes, including ECOs, BOMs, Item Masters, manufacturing routers, etc. Experience with Team Center a plus.
7. Requires strong ability to work with others in the department to share specific knowledge of products, processes, and/or procedures in order to continuously make improvements.
8. Prepare and conduct technical meetings/presentations.
9. Knowledgeable and trained in ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001, ANSI Y14.5 drafting standards, and tolerance stack-up analysis.
10. Ability to effectively use M/S Office, Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint (or their equivalent).
11. Ability to persuade others in acceptance of desired changes, improvements.

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and training, equivalent to graduation from an accredited college/university with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job.

Minimum of 36 months in related Engineering experience, with 12 months specific experience in product design and development, preferably relating to vacuum components and systems. Receives appropriate direction or supervision on assignments from higher-level Engineers, and/or appropriate interdepartmental personnel. Exercises moderate level of independent, discretionary judgment on a regular basis.

Language Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Mathematical Skills

Advanced mathematics skills.

Reasoning Ability

Able to work in a fast-paced environment, with quickly changing work priorities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid driver license.

TOOLS AND/OR EQUIPMENT

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position may work in various environments including office, factory or home settings. Employees who choose to work from home are expected to comply with all company requirements for core work hours or in-person attendance at company meetings or events.

(as applicable)

Pfeiffer Vacuum V&E is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, please contact Danielle Clair at 530-841-9150.

#LI-RW1