Senior R&D and Code Compliance Engineer

Senior R&D and Code Compliance Engineer

 

Location: Irving, Texas (Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel: Up to 30% (Supplier audits, code hearings, and off-site testing)

 

Role Summary

 

PrimeSource Building Products is seeking a highly skilled Senior R&D and Code Compliance Engineer to join our Research & Development group. This critical role serves as the primary guardian of product integrity and regulatory standing across our diverse portfolio, outdoor living systems (decking, railing, siding, and fencing) including fasteners, and construction brackets.

The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between creative product design and rigorous structural compliance, ensuring all new innovations meet stringent North American building codes while managing our internal testing infrastructure and third-party certifications.

Qualifications

Core Responsibilities

• Engineering Design & Virtual Validation: Develop and refine product designs using SolidWorks. Utilize SolidWorks Simulation to perform FEA (Finite Element Analysis) for proof-of-concept designs, optimizing geometry and identifying potential failures before physical prototyping.
• Certification & Regulatory Management: Act as the technical lead for third-party certification bodies (ICC-ES, Intertek, etc.). Maintain and manage all testing reports (ESRs, CCRRs) to ensure they remain current and accurate.
• Testing Oversight: Define and execute physical test protocols for load capacity, weatherability, and cyclic fatigue to validate performance against internal and external benchmarks.
• Standards Advocacy & Intelligence: Interpret and apply relevant industry standards (ASTM, IBC/IRC). Interface directly with code agencies (NADRA, ICC-ES) to monitor upcoming changes and represent the company in the development of new standards.
• Compliance & Labeling: Partner with global and domestic suppliers to ensure all products are correctly marked and labeled in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Documentation & Technical Writing: Author comprehensive test plans, compliance reports, and installation instructions to ensure they meet code-prescribed language.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Sourcing and Innovation teams to evaluate material substitutions, manufacturing feasibility, and technical advancement.

Key Qualifications & Educational Requirements

1. Educational Background

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural/Civil Engineering.

1. Technical Experience & Skills

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in engineering, product compliance, or structural testing within the building products or construction industry.
• SolidWorks Proficiency: {Professional-level capability in 3D modeling, assembly, and SolidWorks Simulation (FEA).
• Material Science: Deep understanding of the properties and manufacturing processes for:
• Metals: Aluminum extrusions, powder-coated steel, and stainless steel.
• Polymers/Composites: PVC, HDPE, and Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of US and International Building Codes (IBC/IRC) and relevant ASTM standards (e.g., ASTM D7032, AC-174, AC-273).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fastener technology (shear strength, pull-out resistance).
• Familiarity with the Canadian Building Code and provincial requirements.
• Hands-on experience with physical lab equipment.
• Prior experience managing external Professional Engineering (PE) firms for stamping and sealing requirements.