Associate Product Development Engineer - Nitto Hydranautics

Hydranautics is a part of the Japanese Nitto Group of companies and a global leader in the field of integrated membrane solutions which includes reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration for water, wastewater and process treatment and applications. Currently used on seven continents throughout the world for diverse applications such as seawater desalination, industrial high-purity water, surface water treatment, wastewater treatment and specialty process applications.

Here at Hydranautics, we believe that diversity is key to our competitive advantage. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, domestic partner status or medical condition. We are proud to be a Drug-free, E-Verify and EEO employer.

We are proud to offer a generous compensation and robust benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance plans, F.S.A. and H.S.A plans, Retirement plans (401k and ROTH), (12) Paid company holidays, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement and career development, Employee Assistance Plan and more.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision, conduct prototype sample making and lab works to assist RO/NF new product development work and applicational projects. Characterize filtration performance and efficiency of prototypes and new products as well as assess products for chemical and physical strength requirements. Develop work instructions and development reports. Collaborate with project leaders to ensure timely and effective project management. Partner with sales, applications engineering and manufacturing business units on product improvements and issue resolutions. Participate on product technical document preparation, such as product specification/data sheets and technical service instructions and guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partners with Project Leader for the development of new products and prototypes.
• Evaluates and characterizes performance of new and existing products. Learns and utilizes parametric modeling software such as SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor.
• Develops bill of materials, specifications, and tolerances for products; prepares work instructions to transfer product from prototype to manufacturing.
• Develops lab scale test units and test protocols to access new and existing products in new applications.
• Optimizes manufacturing techniques with respect to cost, productivity, longevity, efficiency, yield, and final product quality. Assures equipment, processes, practices, and work environment meet regulatory and corporate safety guidelines.
• Devises tests and analyses units to evaluate and record standard product performance for quality assurance. Ensures compliance with ISO 9001 guidelines and accuracy of all technical work.
• Corresponds with regulatory agencies and takes necessary actions to obtain required product certifications under the direction of senior staff.
• Partners with sales, application and process development and manufacturing staff to integrate feedback from field experience into product improvements. Provides technical support to internal departments including senior staff.
• Organizes, presents, and reports technical information in collaboration with development programs.
• Contributes to a database of product drawings, properties, and manufacturing techniques.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering; and 0-2 years' experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exposure to water industry and Reverse Osmosis membrane science, a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of water chemistry concepts, fluid flow and water pressure as well as analytical method and technical writing.
• Strong application of critical thinking skills along with exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Strong multi-tasking skills, flexibility in responding to rapidly changing, dynamic processes and demands/pressures in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate across functional organizational groups, provide high-level customer service through effective interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.

5. Read, analyze, and interpret general business publications, technical procedures, and government regulations.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on with hand tools and machine shop equipment.
• Exceptional Microsoft Office Suite software applications such as Excel, Word, Power Point, Microsoft Project, Autodesk, and JD Edwards. Create, read, and interpret 2D and 3D CAD Drawings and conduct thorough Internet searches.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in various forms (e.g., written, diagram or oral). Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to travel with other staff as necessary to meet vendors or assess product field performance.
• Bilingual or Multi-lingual in languages frequently used within the Nitto Group of Companies employees and/or customers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT: (Typical physical demands and the work environment characteristics an employee must meet and encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• This position involves frequently sitting at a desk (up to 6 hours/day) using software applications for product design and using the computer for other applications.
• Ability to stand and walk occasionally (up to 3 hours/day) to conduct work on the production floor or at a customer site.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry items (such as product prototypes and tools) up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry items overhead up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally (up to 3 hours) bend and twist at the waist while moving items.
• Ability to squat, kneel, crawl, and climb step ladders occasionally (up to 3 hours/day) to turn valves on equipment.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms occasionally (up to 3 hours/day) while moving elements.
• Ability to finger, grasp, and feel objects (such as tools) occasionally (up to 3 hours/day).
• Ability to occasionally push/pull carts with modules or elements (up to 3 hours/day).
• May work outside occasionally (up to 3 hours/day) when visiting pilot sites.
• May be exposed occasionally (up 3 hours/day) to temperatures greater than 95°F when working outside on pilot sites or loading elements/modules in drying ovens.
• May be exposed to crawl spaces/cramped positions (<1 hour/day) while working with pilot test units.
• Gross hand manipulation of light to moderate strength is required to handle elements or modules.
• Fine hand manipulation of light-moderate strength is required for using hand tools.
• Requires close (clear vision at 20 inches or less), vision for inspecting elements or modules and distance (clear vision at 20 feet or more) vision.
• May be exposed to noise levels greater than 85 decibels occasionally (up to 3 hours) while working at a pilot site and wearing hearing protection.
• Must be able to speak/hear verbal communications and respond to machine alarms/buzzers.
• Must be able to wear safety shoes in required areas.
• Ability to occasionally drive a company vehicle to travel to pilot sites or visit suppliers.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and remain qualified as a Driver under the Hydranautics Driver Policy.
• Must be able to work extended hours per the demands of the business.