Technical Specialist

Job Summary:

This applied science position utilizes the core competencies of thermal and fluid sciences, using and advancing analytical and experimental approaches to answer key questions about the performance and architecture of a system or component. This drives decisions and creates technical content which ultimately leads to state of the art, highly effective, environmentally friendly, and competitive products.

Key Responsibilities:

Obtains input and negotiates with stakeholders, such as team members, engineers from other teams, technical managers, project leaders, product and manufacturing engineers, and supplier partners and delivers information, guidance, and recommendations to support and/or make project decisions, or to provide input related to further analysis, design optimization, feasibility studies, or architecture definition. Makes decisions in the areas of short term project details, such as conducting analysis, testing, and communication with stakeholders that impact and support the successful progression of projects at an impact level that is higher than for a senior or lead engineer. Applies and supports the improvement of processes such as Pre Program Planning, (PPP), Product Preceding Technology, (PPT), Value Package Introduction (VPI), or Value Package Change, (VPC), Engineering Standard Work, (ESW), Functional Excellence Practice (FEP) and tools related to thermal and fluid sciences such as GT-Suite, Boost, Fluent, Converge, Concerto, CyberApps (virtual application model), Cummins Data Analysis Tool (CDAT), Mach, test data calculation, DARTS, test data storage, Calterm, Electronic Control Module (ECM) calibration tool, Emissions data system, Integrity, and ACCEPTS ECM in-loop test bench required to support the processes and enable high quality decision making. Provides independent leadership of smaller business impact projects or ownership of complex components, products, systems or services with greater elements of ambiguity over the senior or lead engineer level and with full accountability to the project team. Delivers independent execution of established and emerging work processes and systems, while still developing technology or product knowledge. Leads the development and improvement of work processes and systems across a functional discipline area within a business unit site. Coordinates and directs work amongst technicians and temporary student employees, assists in the transfer of knowledge to lesser experienced engineers through either indirect (scope of influence) or direct management of a small, local group of engineers. Provides support and guidance to influence technical direction within a project team and continues to develop proficiency in the competency areas critical to success in the role. Operates as a recognized specialist in a discipline or product area within the immediate team. Competencies:
Applies Principles of Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer - Interprets and predicts the performance of fluid and thermal systems by leveraging a quantitative and intuitive comprehension of the flow of liquids and gases, the transfer of thermal energy between elements of a system, and the application of modeling and experimental tools, to answer key questions about the system or component.

Applies Principles of Thermodynamics and Energy Conversion Systems - Interprets and predicts the performance of energy conversion systems such as IC engines, gas turbines, fuel cells, and batteries, by leveraging a quantitative and intuitive comprehension of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, modeling tools, controls, and experimental tools to answer key questions about the system or component.

Product Failure Mode Avoidance - Mitigates potential product failure modes, by identifying interfaces, functions, functional requirements, interactions, control factors, noise factors, and prioritized potential failure modes and potential failure causes for the system of interest to effectively and efficiently improve the reliability of Cummins’ products.

Product Function Modeling, Simulation and Analysis - Impacts product design decisions through the utilization and/or interpretation of computational tools and methods that predict the capability of a product's function relative to its system, sub-system and/or component level requirements.

Product Problem Solving - Solves product problems using a process that protects the customer; determines the assignable cause; implements robust, data-based solutions; and identifies the systemic root causes and recommended actions to prevent problem reoccurrence.

System Requirements Engineering  - Uses appropriate methods and tools to translate stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements to which designs are developed; establishes acceptance criteria for the system of interest through analysis, allocation and negotiation; tracks the status of requirements throughout the system lifecycle; assesses the impact of changes to system requirements on project scope, schedule, and resources; creates and maintains information linkages to related artifacts.

Systems Thinking - Defines the system of interest by drawing the boundaries, identifying its context within its environment, its interfaces, and that it has a lifecycle to aid in planning the problem statement, scope and deliverables ; analyzes linkages and interactions between elements that comprise the system of interest by using appropriate methods, models and integration of outcomes to understand the system, predict its behavior and devise modifications to it in order to produce the desired effects.

Builds networks - Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Decision quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

Drives results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.

Manages complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.

Resourcefulness - Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.

Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required.

Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles.

This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:
Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.