Research Engineer

Be Part of Something That Matters

At Viking, we're not just building fire protection equipment - we're building peace of mind. Our products help protect lives and property around the world, and we take that responsibility seriously.

With over 100 years of experience and a reputation for doing things the right way, we're driven by our values: innovation, integrity, and a deep commitment to safety.

If you're looking for a career where your work truly makes an impact, where ideas are welcomed, growth is encouraged, and every day has purpose, Viking is the place for you. Join us and help protect what matters most!

This position is responsible for the advanced development of innovative products to solve customer fire protection challenges. The primary function is to focus on leading innovation development by translating innovative concepts into viable products, leading complex R&D projects and performing technical analysis and research for future technologies.

Responsibilities

Research & Innovation

• Define and execute research programs to develop new technologies, materials, processes, and product concepts.
• Stay current with industry trends, standards (NFPA, FM, UL), and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Drive ideation and generate creative technical solutions for advanced fire protection applications.
  
  

Design & Development

• Perform theoretical force, fluid dynamics, and thermal calculations to guide data-driven design decisions.
• Apply computational tools (CFD and FEA) to optimize geometry, system integration, and material selection.
• Benchmark and analyze competitive products and alternative manufacturing approaches.
• Develop prototypes using CAD (SolidWorks) and validate them through both physical and simulation-based testing.
• Create engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T documentation aligned with Viking standards (ASME Y14.5).
• Coordinate with Patent Management team to review IP status on existing and future designs.
  
  

Testing & Validation

• Plan and execute internal laboratory testing to meet approval standards and customer requirements.
• Coordinate with Test Engineer to design, adapt, and implement internal test methods, procedures, and equipment to simulate real-world performance.
• Facilitate lab testing for certification to ensure timely completion with 100% First Pass Acceptance.
• Operate and interpret data from advanced test equipment (Instron, hydrostatic, leakage, comparators, calipers, thread gages, etc.).
  
  

Project Leadership

• Provide technical expertise and leadership to advance development projects from concept to commercialization.
• Initiate DFMEAs, assess risks, and develop mitigation plans throughout the product lifecycle.
• Lead projects using defined project management and ISO processes to deliver on scope, schedule, and budget.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Suppliers, and Product Management.
• Communicate project status, risks, and design intent to stakeholders and customers.
  
  

Advanced Product Development

• Serve as a subject matter expert for sprinklers, valves, detection, gases, and CPVC systems.
• Ensure compliance with approval standards and documentation of project activities, including logs, reports, BOMs, and Engineering Changes.
• Drive product engineering change implementation from initiation through closure.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• High level of analytical ability. Proven history of problem-solving skills required including root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and methodologies such as Blackbelt or Kepner-Tregoe.
• 5-7 years experience in product design and development.
• Practical application of GD&T, datum dimensioning and tolerance stack-ups.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes preferred, including CNC machining, die casting, forging, stamping and automated assembly.
• Regulatory expertise – experience in a standards and regulatory driven industry.
• Demonstrated teamwork, project management, communication and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent.
• Advanced design and simulation. Understanding of FEA/CFD and experience analyzing output.