Hardware Engineer
Position Overview
The company is seeking a Hardware Engineer to support the development, optimization, and standardization of hardware solutions for advanced transmission and distribution (T&D) overhead line conductors. This role will focus on expanding partnerships with external hardware manufacturers, ensuring seamless integration between high-performance conductors and third-party hardware solutions, emphasizing system-level performance, testing, and installation support.
The successful candidate will work closely with hardware manufacturers and stranding partners to qualify and optimize system solutions that meet the evolving needs of utilities and grid operators. This role requires expertise in hardware evaluation, material selection, supplier qualification, system testing, and field implementation to ensure reliable, high-performance hardware compatibility for North American and international markets.
Essential Functions
- Ensure system-level compatibility of conductor-hardware solutions by collaborating with hardware manufacturers (dead-ends, splices, suspension clamps, and fittings) and stranding partners.
- Lead qualification and validation of third-party hardware solutions, ensuring compliance with performance, reliability, and installation requirements.
- Support full-system qualification programs and develop installation guidelines to ensure safe and effective hardware integration.
- Conduct supplier assessments, technical reviews, and manufacturing inspections to qualify third-party partners for system solutions.
- Support full-system testing (mechanical, electrical, thermal, and vibration testing) to validate the long-term performance of conductor-hardware assemblies.
- Expand and strengthen partnerships. Drive joint-development initiatives with partners for enhanced hardware solutions that accommodate high-temperature operation, insulated covered conductors, and embedded optical fibers.
- Define technical specifications, performance criteria, and quality standards for hardware solutions integrated into system.
- Provide engineering support for installation by developing installation guidelines and assisting in field applications to ensure safe and effective deployment.
- Research and evaluate materials, coatings, and mechanical designs to enhance hardware reliability and long-term system durability.
- Maintain compliance with ASTM, ANSI/NEMA, IEEE, and IEC standards to ensure system solutions align with utility and industry requirements.
- Support the creation of technical documentation, including Bill of Materials (BOM), drawings, specifications, and installation manuals.
Requirements/Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in hardware fittings evaluation, manufacturing, and testing for T&D applications.
- Strong knowledge of dead-ends, splices, clamps, dampers, and fittings used in transmission and distribution systems.
- Familiarity with ASTM, ANSI/NEMA, IEEE, and IEC standards for T&D hardware.
- Experience with 2D and 3D CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, PTC Creo, or Solid Edge).
- Ability to collaborate with hardware vendors, stranding companies, utilities, and internal teams to ensure system-level performance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 5-8 years of experience in hardware integration, supplier qualification, and system testing for transmission applications.
- Hands-on experience with mechanical laboratory testing (tensile, fatigue, thermal cycling, vibration).
- Experience with Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations for structural and thermal analysis.
- Strong understanding of material science, metallurgy, and composite materials for hardware applications.
- Familiarity with full-system performance validation of conductor and hardware assemblies.
FAQs
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