Sr.Project Engineer-Electronic Controls

Company / Location Information

A. O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

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

The Sr. Project Engineer- Electronic Controls in product research and development is responsible for assisting with the design and development of electronic/electromechanical devices/controls and control systems used in residential and commercial water heaters, boilers, and heat pumps with focus on safety, quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. This individual will be involved throughout the design process, beginning with conceptual design through the implementation stages, and continuing with product support after a product is introduced in the marketplace. The position involves conducting tests, recording data, and analyzing data obtained from testing to ensure design requirements are met. The Engineer will also participate in the preparation of proposals and estimations required for project approval and may also aid in technical support of products related to electronic controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop water heater, boiler, and heat pump control strategies in collaboration with product development teams and external partners.
• Create water heater control specifications and Statements of Work based on customer requirements.
• Design, development, integration of electronic/electromechanical control systems used in residential and commercial water heaters and boilers with focus on safety, quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. 
• Individual will be involved throughout the design process beginning with conceptual design through the implementation stages and continuing with product support after product is introduced in the marketplace. 
• Position involves conducting tests, recording data, and analyzing data obtained from testing to ensure design requirements are met. 
• Participate and/or lead preparation of proposals and estimations required for project approval.
• Engineer may also aid in technical support of products related to electronic controls.
• Understand PLC/PID control logic to implement controls into the larger mechanical system
• Design and integrate wire harnesses, ladder diagrams, and wiring diagrams
• May serve as core team member on NPD projects
• Works as liaison between Platform Electronics or third-party hardware/software development teams, mechanical design engineers, Product Management, and service/training members of NPD Core Team to ensure control systems are successfully integrated to meet all design criteria

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Assist with water heater development, from concept to certification, including hardware and software used in product development test and certification equipment, project planning, working with vendors, and project supervision.
• Design and execute product application test plans; document and report results; and provide design solutions as needed.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve test equipment design issues.
• Create test equipment specifications and Statements of Work based on customer requirements.
• Design and develop electromechanical devices and hardware to meet regulatory agency safety requirements.
• Test all designs ensuring total performance and product success.
• Investigate problems and requirements of projects and develop plans for solutions.
• Document all procedures for installation and maintenance for full functionality.
• Troubleshoot, test, and adjust electronic systems, as needed.
• Creation of schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Participate in FMEA, DFMEA, and design reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) from an ABET-accredited, four-year college or university in Electrical Engineering, or Electronics Engineering, or related fields such as Computer Science or Mechatronics.
• Minimum of five years’ work experience.

Additional Qualifications:

• Fundamental understanding of problem solving, troubleshooting, and root case analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with communications such as RS-485, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
• Interest APP development, testing, programming.
• Rudimentary knowledge of reliability.
• Thorough understanding of computer programming languages
• Knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals, including basic interpretation of electrical schematic, wiring, and block diagrams and familiarity with basic test instrumentation such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.

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.

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