Engineering Manager, Tools Technology

Job Description

Position:

Engineering Manager, Tools Technology

Location:

Easton, PA

Reports To:

Director, Engineering, Tools & Materials

Victaulic seeks an experienced engineering leader to serve as Engineering Manager, Tools Technology within the Global Tools & Materials Technology Group at its Easton, PA headquarters. This role leads the mechanical development of new pipe preparation tools — spanning roll grooving, cut grooving, hole cutting, and specialty tools — as well as product line maintenance of Victaulic’s broad installed base of field and shop tools deployed worldwide. The Engineering Manager, Tools Technology works as a peer to and in close collaboration with the Manager, Electrical Engineering to integrate smart technologies, controls, and connectivity into next-generation tool platforms. Domestic and international travel required (up to 15%).

New Tool Development — Mechanical Leadership

• Lead mechanical design of new pipe preparation tools from concept through production launch; define and own tool architecture including structural frames, forming roll systems, hydraulic and mechanical actuation, depth-setting mechanisms, safety guarding, and pipe support systems.
• Drive mechanical analysis (static, dynamic, FEA, tolerance stack-ups) and design validation to ensure tools meet groove specification requirements (OGS, AGS, IGS) across all rated pipe materials, schedules, and size ranges; oversee prototype build, testing, and Gage R&R studies.
• Ensure designs accommodate global deployment requirements: multi-voltage power configurations, international regulatory compliance (EU Machinery Directive, CE/UKCA, UL, CSA), and varied field and shop environments.
• Provide direction on intellectual property and patent strategy in coordination with Victaulic Patent Counsel.

Collaboration with Manager, Electrical Engineering — Smart Tool Integration

• Partner with the Manager, Electrical Engineering to define the integrated mechanical-electrical architecture of new tool platforms, ensuring mechanical designs accommodate controls integration: cabinet mounting, sensor placement, actuator interfaces, and wiring routing.
• Jointly develop tools with embedded smart capabilities: automated groove measurement and pass/fail confirmation, proximity-based safety systems, remote diagnostics, Ethernet connectivity, and HMI-driven operator interfaces.
• Align on regulatory compliance for electromechanical systems and drive a shared product development roadmap that integrates mechanical and electrical technology advancements.

Product Line Maintenance

• Oversee product line maintenance for Victaulic’s full installed base of pipe preparation tools worldwide; manage field issue resolution, design changes, and documentation (drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, revision histories).
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions; ensure tooling accessories (grooving rolls, groove confirmation gauges, pipe stands) are maintained in alignment with tool platforms and groove specifications.
• Support manufacturing troubleshooting, process deviations, and continuous improvement initiatives for tool performance, reliability, and cost.

Team Leadership, Strategy & Program Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical and mechatronics engineers; assign projects across new development, product line maintenance, and corrective action workstreams; conduct performance reviews and support career development.
• Partner with the Director, Engineering, Tools & Materials to define and execute the Tools Technology roadmap; evaluate new initiatives against Victaulic’s commercialization criteria and manage vendor-developed tool programs as applicable.
• Collaborate with Product Management to identify, prioritize, and implement the product roadmap and product line consolidation initiatives, ensuring engineering efforts are aligned with market needs and strategic portfolio objectives.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with the Electrical Engineering team, Marketing, Quality, Manufacturing, and global field service; ensure effective utilization of engineering resources.

Education & Experience

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent required; M.S. or management training a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering experience in machine design or electromechanical product development; depth in pipe preparation tools, forming machinery, or related heavy-duty industrial equipment preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of direct engineering management experience; proven record of successful new product development from concept through commercialization.

Technical Knowledge

• Deep expertise in machine and fixture design: structural frames, forming roll systems, linkages, gearing, bearings, hydraulic and mechanical actuation, and precision motion systems; proficiency in FEA tools (SolidWorks Simulation, Ansys, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent) for 3D modeling and detailed drawings; GD&T per ASME Y14.5; familiarity with pipe groove specifications (OGS, AGS, IGS) across carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and PVC/CPVC pipe.
• Working knowledge of electrical and controls systems (PLC/HMI, wiring schematics) and connected tool technologies (automated measurement, remote diagnostics, proximity sensing) sufficient for effective mechanical-electrical co-development.
• Familiarity with global machinery safety standards: EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, UL 508A, NFPA 79, CSA, and CE/UKCA marking; experience with FMEA and design validation methodologies.

Leadership & Business Competencies

• Proven ability to prioritize, manage concurrent programs, and deliver results in a fast-paced global product development environment; creative problem-solver with strong business acumen.
• Flexible and adaptable with excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and engaging cross-functional stakeholders across engineering, marketing, manufacturing, and field service.

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• Victaulic Staffing Partner Communication Policy
  All staffing agencies are strictly forbidden from directly contacting any Victaulic employees, except those within the Human Resources/Talent Acquisition team. All communications, inquiries and candidate submissions must be routed through Victaulic's Human Resources/Talent Acquisition team. Non-compliance with this policy may result in the suspension of partnership, cancellation of the current contract, and/or the imposition of a mandatory probation period before any future business can resume. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to a permanent ban on future business. This policy ensures a streamlined and compliant recruitment process.