Ride & Test / Prototype Engineer

The Ride & Test / Prototype Engineer is responsible for receiving and distributing technical information from the customer and implementing it into Production.  This position requires a master level knowledge of the workings of dampers and applying that knowledge towards properly testing all components of the damper.  In addition, apply that knowledge to develop ride characteristics to satisfy the customers’ subjective expectations.  This position involves strong interaction with the customer with a very subjective evaluation process.  In addition to the technical knowledge required, this position requires good communication skills to guide this process to a mutually agreed to end; meeting the customers’ stated goals.  He/she will need to work with many personalities under various conditions of urgency and will need to put the goal of meeting the customers’ needs above all.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with customer engineers and technical specialists to develop ride characteristics of customer vehicles;
• Complete building / rebuilding of shock and strut samples;
• Perform test measurements of shock and strut samples;
• Provide detailed reports of customer contacts and implemented designs;
• Complete initial preparation and closing preparation of ride trailer in the field;
• Prepare test plans and schedules;
• Compile, analyze, and report test results to the Design Engineering in a timely manner.  Analysis of test results to provide “Decision Ready Information”;
• Develop new test techniques, adjust current tests, and improve testing processes to reduce product development time;
• Other liaison assignments with the customer assigned on an as needed basis;
• Design new test fixtures for new projects;
• Assist in development of new technologies;
• Travel to customer sites, both domestic and international;
• Other duties assigned by immediate Supervisor or Manager on an as needed basis.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited 4-year institution is preferred or 4-6 years of related work experience may substitute for a college diploma.  3-5 years of experience, ideally related to vehicle dynamic concepts.  Experience with data acquisition and controls is preferred.  Ability to read and interpret prints.  This position requires working knowledge of machine shop equipment, brazing, and welding skills.  Microsoft skillset is required.  Solidworks, Catia or Autodesk experience is preferred.  Must have the ability to communicate effectively both with customers and all departments in the KYB organization.  This position requires the ability to prioritize various job duties/projects and work efficiently under time constraints without direct supervision.  Exceptional problem solving capabilities, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic are necessary for this position.  This position requires domestic and/or international travel.     

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This position does not have any subordinate associates reporting to it.

Difficulty of Work:

This position requires the ability to identify and resolve issues without direct supervision.  This position requires day to day communication with other departments internally, suppliers and customers.  The ability to adapt in constantly changing situations is a must.  Task and support responsibility change daily.  The ability to manage time effectively and multitask is also important. 

Personal Work Relationships:

Personal work relationships would include:  KAC Design Engineering Team; other KAC associates, including but not limited to:  Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality (Supplier and Internal), and Sales (Customer); KAC Management; KYB customers; KYB suppliers; KYB Japan Design Engineering Management and Staff members.  The nature of the work could impact every department inside KYB and could impact KYB customers.

Physical Effort:

This position requires the physical ability to occasionally lift and/or move and pack up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.  This position requires the ability to sit or occasionally stand for long periods of time.  Bending, stooping, and reaching are required to perform tasks.

Working Conditions:

Working conditions are normal for an office and/or production environment.  Special attention to work environment and areas surrounding the equipment is critical.  Normal PPE is required such as safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection.

Purpose of Position/Summary:

The Ride & Test / Prototype Engineer is responsible for receiving and distributing technical information from the customer and implementing it into Production.  This position requires a master level knowledge of the workings of dampers and applying that knowledge towards properly testing all components of the damper.  In addition, apply that knowledge to develop ride characteristics to satisfy the customers’ subjective expectations.  This position involves strong interaction with the customer with a very subjective evaluation process.  In addition to the technical knowledge required, this position requires good communication skills to guide this process to a mutually agreed to end; meeting the customers’ stated goals.  He/she will need to work with many personalities under various conditions of urgency and will need to put the goal of meeting the customers’ needs above all.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with customer engineers and technical specialists to develop ride characteristics of customer vehicles;
• Complete building / rebuilding of shock and strut samples;
• Perform test measurements of shock and strut samples;
• Provide detailed reports of customer contacts and implemented designs;
• Complete initial preparation and closing preparation of ride trailer in the field;
• Prepare test plans and schedules;
• Compile, analyze, and report test results to the Design Engineering in a timely manner.  Analysis of test results to provide “Decision Ready Information”;
• Develop new test techniques, adjust current tests, and improve testing processes to reduce product development time;
• Other liaison assignments with the customer assigned on an as needed basis;
• Design new test fixtures for new projects;
• Assist in development of new technologies;
• Travel to customer sites, both domestic and international;
• Other duties assigned by immediate Supervisor or Manager on an as needed basis.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited 4-year institution is preferred or 4-6 years of related work experience may substitute for a college diploma.  3-5 years of experience, ideally related to vehicle dynamic concepts.  Experience with data acquisition and controls is preferred.  Ability to read and interpret prints.  This position requires working knowledge of machine shop equipment, brazing, and welding skills.  Microsoft skillset is required.  Solidworks, Catia or Autodesk experience is preferred.  Must have the ability to communicate effectively both with customers and all departments in the KYB organization.  This position requires the ability to prioritize various job duties/projects and work efficiently under time constraints without direct supervision.  Exceptional problem solving capabilities, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic are necessary for this position.  This position requires domestic and/or international travel.     

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This position does not have any subordinate associates reporting to it.

Difficulty of Work:

This position requires the ability to identify and resolve issues without direct supervision.  This position requires day to day communication with other departments internally, suppliers and customers.  The ability to adapt in constantly changing situations is a must.  Task and support responsibility change daily.  The ability to manage time effectively and multitask is also important. 

Personal Work Relationships:

Personal work relationships would include:  KAC Design Engineering Team; other KAC associates, including but not limited to:  Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality (Supplier and Internal), and Sales (Customer); KAC Management; KYB customers; KYB suppliers; KYB Japan Design Engineering Management and Staff members.  The nature of the work could impact every department inside KYB and could impact KYB customers.

Physical Effort:

This position requires the physical ability to occasionally lift and/or move and pack up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.  This position requires the ability to sit or occasionally stand for long periods of time.  Bending, stooping, and reaching are required to perform tasks.

Working Conditions:

Working conditions are normal for an office and/or production environment.  Special attention to work environment and areas surrounding the equipment is critical.  Normal PPE is required such as safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection.