Test Lab Engineer chez Ideal Tridon Group

The Ideal Tridon Group comprises a family of brands that support, secure, and connect the movement of air, fluid, and electricity in critical applications. With over 100 years of proven quality and a strong culture of service, we are the worldwide leader in clamps, strut, hose supports, conduit, fittings, and coupling solutions. Our products are engineered to meet the highest standards across a range of industries, and our commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer support ensures we’re ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. At the Ideal Tridon Group, connections aren’t just what we make—they’re the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking an Application and Laboratory Engineer for our Corporate Office in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Scope:

Responsible for interfacing with customers to define product specifications and requirements, ensuring those needs are effectively communicated to internal teams and suppliers. This role supports testing and validation of Ideal-Tridon and competitor products, provides technical support to internal and external stakeholders, and drives continuous improvement for new product development, application engineering, and laboratory operations.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborate with Program Managers, Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to validate product designs, Bills of Material (BOM), and specifications.
• Design, develop, and coordinate product validation testing based on customer requirements and relevant industry standards, including vehicle under-hood environments.
• Demonstrate experience to design or review mechanical components using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Schedule, execute, and report laboratory testing to meet engineering and customer requirements.
• Create, maintain, and document all test procedures, records, and statistical data for performance review and improvement.
• Provide data collection, reporting, and root cause analysis to support quality improvement and efficiency initiatives.
• Support benchmarking of competitor products and provide technical analyses to guide product design and development.
• Perform general engineering calculations and analyses to establish design parameters, tolerances, and material requirements.
• Set up and operate test equipment to validate designs and new product concepts.
• Provide technical and problem-solving support to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Assist in developing new products and product improvements in alignment with customer specifications and industry requirements.
• Participate in APQP and ECN processes to maintain accurate and timely project tracking.
• Support training of laboratory personnel and assist in certification processes as required.
• Ensure data integrity from internal and external laboratories.
• Possess metallurgical knowledge for material analysis and testing support.
• Perform other duties as workload necessitates.

Responsibility and Authority:

• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, government requirements, and the Ideal-Tridon Quality Manual, Quality Management System (QMS), and Environmental Management System (EMS). 
• Maintain and protect all proprietary and confidential information of the company, suppliers, and customers.
• Design and propose solutions to customer applications from the company’s product portfolio.
• Develop and manage laboratory test requirements to ensure products meet customer and industry standards.
• Support the containment of nonconforming products and completion of RIDs as needed.
• Responsibility to periodically work with MTSU on the electron microscope for specialized analysis as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3–8 years of experience in engineering roles, preferably within the automotive or manufacturing industry.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, 3D solid modeling software (SolidWorks, NX, Creo), and 2D drawing tools (AutoCAD).
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing of metallic products; familiarity with stainless and carbon steel product testing preferred.
• Hands-on experience with product validation, vehicle testing, and test equipment setup.
• Knowledge of competitor clamping products and benchmarking practices.
• Familiarity with machining practices, shop tools, and part inspection per print.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and apply practical problem-solving techniques.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to delivering world-class customer service and maintaining a proactive, solution-oriented approach.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to regularly stand, sit, walk, and use both hands. Employees must be capable of climbing stairs, kneeling, and occasionally lifting and/or moving objects up to 25 pounds. Adequate vision to read fine print, component and assembly drawings required. Occasional domestic and international travel by car or plane is required. Employee must be capable of communicating in English (verbally and in writing).

Work Environment & Culture:

Foster and embody the Ideal Tridon Group values:

• Devoted to Customers – Builds trusted relationships through service and reliability.
• We Care – Acts with integrity, accountability, and respect for others.
• Passionate About Growth – Committed to personal and team development.
• Positive Energy – Creates a collaborative, energizing work environment.
• We Find a Way – Resourceful, determined, and solutions-focused.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.