The Forensics and Reliability Manager will supervise the Forensics and Reliability function and manage the day-to-day operations of forensic investigation, failure analysis, and testing for product reliability. When a design, product, structure, or component does not operate or function as planned, the Forensics and Reliability Engineer will determine and assess the cause of the failure and appropriate corrective measures. The role works closely with key stakeholders in Legal, Global Sourcing, Imports and Trade Compliance, Product Development, Quality Assurance, and Merchandising to execute specific product investigations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ability to direct a group of engineers and technicians in product investigations, root cause analysis, provide business risk assessment and remediation plan. Select, orient, train, coach, counsel and discipline associates as necessary.
- Establish daily team priorities and project manage the Forensics and Reliability function. Ensure that projects and deliverables are on track as per set timelines/deadlines.
- Provide prompt weekly if not more frequent updates to management on the pulse of activity happening in the responsible function
- Investigates the origin and cause of alleged failures including potential design or manufacturing defects
- Partner with several teams (Legal, Product Safety & Compliance, Call Center, Engineering, Product Development etc.) and maintain working relationships
- Analyzes design, product, structure, or component, and evaluates the quality of construction, reviews design or determines the cause of alleged failures
- Maintain and communication plans with vendors regarding root cause investigation and implementation of sustainable improvements to support accurate resolution.
- Responsible for compliance, reliability, and improvements across vendor base.
- Supports direct efforts of improvement of product quality, safety and compliance to regulations and industry standards
- Work collaboratively with both internal corporate partners and with extensive vendor base to constantly improve quality and reliability objectives
- Participate in product liability claims investigations and intellectual property research
- Consult on methods, explain results, and write views on technical data
- Present findings and opinions clearly and concisely, allowing complex technical issues to be understood by non-technical audience.
- Provide relevant witness testimony as needed in depositions and trials relating to alleged product failure investigations, product liability claims or product development and design
- Additional responsibilities as assigned by management
- Regular attendance is required
Required Education, Skills and Experience
- BS Electrical or Mechanical Engineering focus.
- 6+ years’ experience in evaluating product failures across a broad range of products including electrical, mechanical or automotive products
- Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, and ability to effectively achieve project established goals and objectives
- Models the Company’s values and influences others to achieve individual or team objectives.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing along strict timelines
- Clearly conveys information to individuals or groups in a manner that is understandable, easy to retain and timely.
- Experience in root cause analysis within a large distributed environment
- Proven ability in problem solving
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient using standard Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
- Results-oriented.
- Strong interpersonal skills. Able to maintain and develop top-level, internal and external relationships
- Effective communication skills. Crisp and clear. Informs and directs appropriately on both verbal and written fronts
Preferred:
- Active PE preferred (in the state of employment is preferred). Both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering focus.
- Experience with specific certifications and regulations as follows:
- For electrical products, focus includes, but is not limited to, UL standards, CEC / DoE regulations, lithium battery safety, OSHA/packaging requirements, and HazMat transportation and storage.
- For mechanical products, focus includes, but is not limited to, CPSC requirements, ANSI, ASME, and ASTM.
- For automotive products, focus includes, but is not limited to, NHTSA, FMVSS, SAE, WSTDA, and ASME PASE.
- Legal deposition experience
- Experience with working in global teams
- A track record of successfully partnering with multiple cross functional key stakeholders, and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $114,400 – $171,700 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.
