Program Manager-Custom Prod Engineering

Company / Location Information

A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, offering a comprehensive line featuring the best-known brands in North America and China, we also manufacture water purification and water softening products for residential and light commercial applications.

Recognized by The Tennessean as one of the top Nashville area Workplaces, Lochinvar (A business unit of A. O. Smith) is a leading producer of energy-efficient boilers, water heaters, pool heaters and commercial package systems.  We focus solely on serving our customers and offer them a product that delivers unmatched quality, performance, and application flexibility.

Primary Function

Provides planning and direction for the Custom Product Engineering team and function. Manages all aspects of daily team activities and project tasks. Collaborates with Manufacturing Operations, Scheduling, Purchasing, Quality, Sales, Technical Service and Product Management to supply custom products based on customer specifications and within established lead time.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design and release of custom package systems per customer specifications complete with piping diagrams, electrical and control schematics, and bills of materials.

• Maintain the Lochinvar custom product quoting sheet, adjusting for cost as needed to accurately quote custom products to customers.

• Act as the liaison between Custom Product Engineering and cross functional teams such as Manufacturing Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Product Management, Quality, and Technical Service to deliver custom product to customers within established lead time and resolve problems as necessary.  

• Ensure package system designs follow current production methods and meet targets for manufacturing time and cost.

• Analyze customer design & application processes; evaluate components, equipment, piping and placement; and offer solutions to customer application problems. 

• Communicate with customers and the outside sales force to solicit information pertinent to product design and application. Evaluate and share valuable feedback to Engineering, Product Management, and Sales.

• Provide technical application & design support, product drawings and diagrams, and troubleshooting guidance to customers and sales.

• Provide technical guidance on product selection and recommend optimum products for specific applications.

• Manage the design and maintenance of design drawings, models and images for use in the development and construction of custom package systems.

• Create and maintain product application and system design guidelines in response to common field questions and issues.

• Provide technical recommendations to Engineering and Product Management for product improvements or revisions.

• Assist with the development of product literature and installation guides.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate cross-functionally in a team environment.

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships internally and externally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.

• 5+ years of relevant Engineering work experience required with concentrations in gas combustion, piping, HVAC and/or electrical appliances preferred.

• 2+ years of Supervisory / Leadership experience preferred.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience using SolidWorks or similar 3D Parametric Modelling software.

• Excellent problem-solving skills.

• Excellent financial skills for reviewing cost and maintaining accurate quotes for custom product.

• Experience using SAP or similar ERP software.

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Based out of our Lebanon, TN office, this role is eligible to participate in our hybrid work program, which allows employees to work remotely up to two days per week.  New employees in eligible roles can apply for this program after successfully completing their initial 90 days of employment.

#LI-AO

#LI-Hybrid