The International Product Engineer will review customer specifications and performance requirements and selects existing products or designs appropriate new products for the application. Establishes all necessary functional requirements for purchasing, manufacturing, quality standards testing, and application of finished products and components. Applies innovation, creativity, and vision to the development and analysis of railcar bogie (truck) systems, suspension, braking, coupling and other components for the global railway market, embracing leading-edge and digital technologies. The role has a global scope, supporting product engineering projects and customer programs in key international regions such as Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, South Africa, the Middle East, and Scandinavia.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Perform design analyses and collaborate with Manufacturing and Purchasing to cost-reduce new and existing products while ensuring all product, industry, and regulatory requirements are met (30%).
Ensure complete, high-quality designs that meet quality, manufacturing, and applicable international industry standards (e.g., AAR, EN, UIC, ARISO and other global rail standards) (15%).
Interface with customers' technical personnel (globally) to define requirements for product fit, function, and performance; evaluate incoming specifications to determine product configuration and support proposal activity (15%).
Conduct design reviews with Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing (including global manufacturing sites as needed) to ensure all requirements are captured and manufacturing processes are optimized (10%).
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable technologies and developments, adopting relevant innovations in existing and new products (10%).
Plan and manage project schedules within budget guidelines, coordinating across functions and time zones as needed (5%).
Create product function and performance requirements for new designs; ensure quality plans (testing/inspection criteria) adequately address product requirements (5%).
Specify testing requirements and coordinate schedules with test facilities and applicable observers to validate product performance (5%).
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing to ensure incoming materials and components from suppliers meet required quality and performance standards (5%).
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related discipline) required; Relevant advanced degree a plus.
Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in product design, development, or analysis preferably in railroad equipment.
Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (especially PTC Creo or similar) with solid modeling and design layout experience; familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards.
Experience with manufacturing processes for durable mechanical products; especially large steel castings.
Works as a team with tool makers and foundry process engineers to design for manufacturability and cost optimization.
Strong engineering analysis skills, including experience with computer modeling and such as FEA or multi-body simulation modelling.
Knowledge of railway industry requirements, including AAR standards and international rail standards; ability to adapt designs to meet diverse global regulatory and customer specifications.
Exposure to freight rail equipment including bogie/trucks, springs, braking systems, coupling mechanisms.
Excellent problem-solving abilities and project management skills; capacity to handle multiple international projects concurrently and deliver results within schedule.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical groups.
International experience working with global teams and customers is highly valued.
Willingness to travel internationally as needed to support project requirements, customer support, supplier support or quality reviews, field tests, and training.
Familiarity with International import export terms, regulations, and shipping requirements.
Understanding of business economics and cost justification for capital projects.
Must be able to work in coordination with marketing personnel on project priorities, customer specifications, and customer relations.
Ability to establish strong working relationships with international customers and suppliers.
KEY CHALLENGES
Selection and design of parts and materials.
Managing non-conforming materials and implementing corrections while working to minimize impact on project timelines.
Developing and approving new product designs that satisfy stringent safety and performance criteria.
Identifying cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality or reliability.
Resolving manufacturing or supplier issues that affect product performance or delivery.
Selecting optimal manufacturing methods and suppliers for components across different regions.
Adapting designs to comply with multiple international standards and to function effectively under diverse operating conditions and customer requirements.