Project Engineer (Research & Development)

UTLX

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

This position is responsible for researching improvement of practices and procedures of repairs and replacement parts they relate to design and manufacturing of untried types of tank cars and hopper cars, as well as like enhancements to existing tank cars and hopper cars and related components while meeting manufacturing, repair customer and regulatory demands; for assistance in providing preliminary material and process study and recommendations for these types of cars and components and fulfilling the engineering requirements of special projects as required. He/she ensures that all proposed materials, processes and designs are technically sound before marketing and provides technical expertise for UTLX.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position reports to the Director of Research & Development (R&D). The Director of R&D will have oversight of team leadership and guidance.

The R&D department is responsible for collecting information, conducting research & development, technology assessment and providing proof of concept models to service Procor and UTC.  The department is responsible for regulatory compliance, structural analysis and testing to ensure integrity of designs to minimize the risks in the use of our tank cars in the transportation of dangerous and hazardous materials.  Additionally, the department is expected to work with customers to understand their needs; to work with regulators to obtain approvals necessary for new designs in processes and procedures; and to provide general technical assistance to customers, regulators, trade associations, and other departments within Procor and UTC.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The incumbent utilizes project engineering techniques to provide management with data and expertise pertaining to designs, standards, method descriptions and innovation and improvement relating to new car manufacturing as well as repair.  The incumbent analyzes efficiencies, standards, and incentives to recommend improvements when appropriate. In addition, he/she coordinates project activity with other engineers within Procor and UTC.

He/she also makes R&D recommendations to senior management regarding manufacturing planning and facilities and changes to existing ones.  The incumbent acts as a consultant regarding project engineering throughout the company.  He/she also works with the Manager of Safety to determine safety needs relative to the plant facilities and repair shops and to implement necessary improvements and corrections. 

The incumbent works to meet internal and external customer expectations at all times by fully applying oneself to the task involved, preventing errors, and developing and implementing personal quality improvement projects.  In addition, the incumbent is required to understand the Responsible Care Management System and actively participate in activities outlined therein.

In order to perform the essential functions of the job, the incumbent must possess, at a minimum, the following skills and abilities:

• Ability to operate a computer and have knowledge and ability to be fluent in the use of word processing, communication, spreadsheet and database programs.
• Communication skills (hearing and speech) to answer the telephone in a clear and understandable manner.
• Organizational skills to instruct the assistant to establish and maintain an extensive file and library system.
• Willingness and ability to wear safety equipment such as, but not limited to:  Safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hat, ear plugs and respirators.
• Ability to see and hear the visual and audio safety warnings in the plants.
• Willingness and ability to travel outside of the normal place of work via car, train and/or airplane.
• Ability to climb to the top of and walk on tank cars without fear of heights.
• Ability to bend, stretch and crawl to perform inspections in the plant.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical Engineering degree preferred.)
• 0-3 years of practiced and applied engineering solutions
• Rail industry experience a plus

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensures that existing manufacturing and repair methods, standards, and procedures are constantly reviewed, i