Job Title: Research & Development (R&D) Technician 

Shift: Office Hours, 8am-5pm

Reports To: Product Development Manager

Job Summary:

The basic function of the R&D Technician is to plan, track and report the various functions in the design and development of new products. In addition, this position will be responsible for providing required testing and reporting of existing and/or new products.

Essential Job Functions:

• Keeps the Product Development Manager apprised of activities within the R&D department.
• Communicates with appropriate departments regarding design and manufacturing issues of new products and ideas.
• Performs product testing according to industry standards and proven test methods.
• Provides written and oral technical support to internal and external customers as needed.
• Ensures relevant FQMS procedures are followed and kept up-to-date, including the calibration of R&D test equipment.
• Gives oral presentations to large groups of factory and/or executive personnel as required.
• Submits accurate and timely reports on a weekly or monthly basis documenting R&D activities to the Product Development Manager.
• Provides assistance and advice to production and assembly departments to enhance productivity.
• Provides testing and design assistance related to the development of new products and changes to existing products.
• Provides manufacturing instructions to the shop floor as required.
• Provides demonstration/training concerning installation methods of new and existing products to relevant departments and/or customers.
• Fairly and consistently applies Company and personnel policies within the R&D area.

The duties of the R&D Technician will be met when:

• Accurate and timely reports relating to research and development activities have been submitted to the Product Development Manager.
• The R&D Department has effectively interacted with the Operations, Engineering and Sales Department.
• Company and personnel policies have been fairly and consistently applied within the R&D department.
• The R&D Technician has kept an open mind in resolving design and manufacturing issues relating to new products and has exhibited a high degree of creativity in performance of duties.
• The R&D Technician has responded to special assignments from the Product Development Manager in a positive fashion.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• SolidWorks or comparable 3D modeling experience preferred
• Preferred or Pursuing: College/University Degree in engineering and/or technical degree
• Ability to safely and accurately perform product testing (water and air pressure), evaluate, and report results
• Knowledge in the applications of plumbing systems, especially drain, waste, vent and sewer installations a plus
• Strong in Computer Applications
• Ability to effectively interact with other departments
• Ability to read, analyze engineering drawings, interpret financial reports, and industry/trade magazines
• Strong technical analysis and mechanical abilities
• Ability to develop new products. Must be innovative by nature
• Able to communicate with new and existing customers regarding new products and/or new applications of existing products
• Knowledge of the plumbing industry and trends impacting business is a plus
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
• Must have the ability to bend, reach, and crouch during development and troubleshooting of products and testing
• Required to follow the Company’s Safety Policies