Summary/Objective
The Fuel System Valve Technical Expert is responsible for leading the design, development, validation, and technical advancement of fuel system valve technologies used in automotive fuel storage and evaporative emission systems.
This position serves as the subject matter expert for all fuel system valve-related activities, supporting product development, customer technical discussions, manufacturing issue resolution, and future technology roadmaps. The role requires extensive knowledge of fuel system architecture, emission regulations, valve design principles, material selection, and validation methodologies.
The Fuel System Valve Technical Expert will contribute to a work environment where fairness, equality, and non-discriminatory practices are the standard.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Technical Leadership
- Serve as the technical authority for all fuel system valve products including but not limited to:
- Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV)
- Rollover Valve (ROV)
- Inlet Check Valve (ICV)
- Fuel Tank Isolation Valve (FTIV)
- Pressure Relief Valves (RV)
- Integrated Fuel Tank Valve Modules
- Lead valve design activities from concept development through production launch.
- Establish valve performance requirements based on customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and vehicle system needs.
- Develop and maintain technical design standards, best practices, and lessons learned databases for valve products.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to design engineers and cross-functional teams.
Product Development
- Support product architecture development and valve integration within complete fuel tank systems.
- Conduct technical feasibility studies and risk assessments for new valve concepts and customer requests.
- Lead DFMEA, Design Reviews, Design Verification Plans (DVP&R), and engineering change activities.
- Review and approve valve drawings, specifications, GD&T requirements, and tolerance stack-up analyses.
- Evaluate new technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods to improve valve performance, durability, and cost.
- Support root cause investigations and corrective actions related to valve performance issues.
Testing & Validation
- Define valve validation strategies and test requirements.
- Analyze laboratory and vehicle test data including:
- Leak testing
- Airflow characterization
- Pressure-vacuum performance
- Slosh testing
- Rollover testing
- Dust ingestion testing
- Durability testing
- ORVR performance testing
- SHED emissions testing, etc.
- Review test results and determine compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
- Lead technical reviews for design verification and production validation activities.
Customer & Regulatory Support
- Interface directly with OEM customers regarding valve design, performance requirements, and technical issue resolution.
- Support customer design reviews and technical presentations.
- Monitor global fuel system and evaporative emission regulations including:
- EPA
- CARB LEV III / LEV IV
- China 6
- Euro 6/7
- South America emission regulations
- Ensure valve designs meet applicable regulatory and customer requirements.
Manufacturing & Quality Support
- Collaborate with manufacturing plants to improve valve production processes and product quality.
- Support launch activities and production issue resolution.
- Participate in supplier technical reviews and component qualification activities.
- Lead problem-solving activities using 8D, Fishbone, 5-Why, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, and manufacturing efficiency.
Research & Development
- Identify emerging valve technologies and industry trends.
- Support advanced engineering and innovation projects related to fuel system components.
- Contribute to patent generation, technical publications, and technology roadmaps where applicable.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
This position operates primarily in an office and manufacturing environment. The role routinely involves the use of standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
While performing job duties, the incumbent may frequently be exposed to moving mechanical parts within the manufacturing area. The noise level in the manufacturing environment is typically moderate.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
While performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently stands, walks, uses hands to grasp small objects, handles materials, feels, and reaches with hands and arms.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position with some flexibility in work hours. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Overtime and weekend work may be required based on job demand.
Travel
This position requires travel up to 25% of the time. Travel is primarily local during the business day; however, occasional out-of-town and overnight travel may be required based on business needs.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 6 years of engineering experience in automotive fuel systems, evaporative emissions systems, or valve product development.
- Minimum 6 years of experience designing or validating fuel system valves.
- Strong understanding of:
- Fuel tank systems
- EVAP systems
- ORVR systems
- Fuel system regulations
- Plastic component design
- Injection molding processes
Preferred Education and Experience
- Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 6+ years of fuel system valves’ industry experience.
- Experience supporting Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or other OEM programs.
- Experience with CARB and EPA certification requirements.
- Knowledge of fuel vapor management and evaporative emission regulations.
- Experience leading global engineering teams.
Soft Skills
- Strong technical leadership skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
- Effective communication skills with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to influence technical decisions without direct authority.
- Strong presentation and technical reporting skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced automotive environment.
- Strong mentoring and coaching abilities.
- Strategic thinking and innovation mindset.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
- Must possess valid documentation authorizing employment in the United States
2. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport
AAP/EEO Statement
YAPP USA is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions at YAPP USA are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We comply fully with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in the workplace. YAPP USA does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, weight, height, familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Other Duties
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, to meet the needs of the organization.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Education:
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
