Sr. Project Engineer - New Product Development (Heat Pump)

Company / Location Information

Why A. O. Smith? 

Water technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and, as a leading global water technology company, A. O. Smith Corporation is at the center of the trend. Founded in 1874, we are a $3.5 billion company that employs more than 12,000 men and women. With manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, and Europe, A. O. Smith has the global reach to serve customers worldwide. We have sales and distribution in more than 60 countries around the world. A. O. Smith is committed to continuous improvement, not just in its factories and its processes, but in its people.  We value people who are able to analyze problems and take rapid, decisive action. 

What is great about this opportunity?

• You will be a part of a new, state-of-the-art expansion in A. O. Smith’s Product Development Center (PDC in Lebanon, TN) within our Lochinvar facility.
• You will join a company whose vision brings people together to consistently deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that result in increased customer demand.
• You will be representing a company that makes products that improve the quality of life and are considered top of the line.

Primary Function

As the Sr. Project Engineer – New Product Development (Heat Pump), you will recommend and/ or support field installation of released water heater designs and hot water supply systems for commercial applications. In addition, you will review new water heater designs from the perspective of system installations and apply field installation knowledge to new products or make design changes to existing products. This is a challenging position that requires foresight and conceptualization for a successful new product launch.

Responsibilities

• Support marketing and sales when unique situations are experienced during installation of hot water systems. Recommend appropriate water heating system for the application within expressed constraints.
• Resolve heating (gas combustion systems or electric heaters,) plumbing, electrical, regulatory or code related issues when they are encountered with hot water systems in commercial applications
• Cooperate with appropriate engineering functions - electronics, reliability, compliance,  manufacturing, engineering and technical service to resolve field issues
• Develop and edit technical literature for installation and troubleshooting techniques
• Participate in product design reviews with constructive input from application and installation perspective
• Review and edit design specifications from application and installation perspective
• Gain industry and organizational knowledge through daily business interactions and job assignments
• Set priorities to meet deadlines
• Update management on project status
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field plus 5 years of experience (OR) Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field plus 3 years of experience (OR) Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum 2 years of Refrigerant Cycle experience dealing with HVAC air conditioning systems and/or heat pumps.
• Detailed understanding of HVAC system functions including refrigeration, heat transfer, airflow, and ventilation
• Experience with application of various components used within HVAC systems such as evaporator coils, compressors, condensers, and fans.
• Air conditioning and/or Heat Pump design and hands on testing experience.
• Experience with Design/simulation/analysis tools such as Solidworks, LabVIEW, EES, CFD, FEA and ERP software (SAP or similar)
• Background in heat transfer, fluids, electrical-mechanical products and regulatory & code compliance.
• Ability to model system layouts or direct design team to develop system layouts and specifications. Ability to work with SolidWorks is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical skills for reviewing costs and preparing budget reports
• Ability to travel 10 - 15% for product testing at other sites, review of field installations, and to attend meetings with other A. O. Smith Engineering teams.

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.  This role is eligible for a remote work schedule of up to two days remote work per week. New employees are eligible to apply after successfully completing their initial 90 days of employment and training.