Controls Research Engineer

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.

Our Corporate Technology Center (CTC) in Milwaukee, WI is a state-of-the-art hub where research engineers, material scientists, and technicians collaborate to shape the future of water technology.

Primary Function

As an Embedded Controls Research Engineer, you will:

• Lead research and development of advanced embedded control solutions for water heaters, heat pump, hydronic heat, and water treatment systems.
• Drive improvements to energy efficiency, user experience, and product safety.
• Support commercialization of new control systems by collaborating with product development teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced control algorithms using modeling, optimization, estimation, data science, and sensor technologies.
• Prototype, simulate, and validate controls solutions in laboratory and real-world environments.
• Document innovations through patents, technical reports, and publications.
• Collaborate with global teams across North America, China, and India to integrate controls into market-ready products.
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies and bring innovative ideas to the table.

Successful Traits:

• Inventor: Passion for innovation and continuous learning.
• Critical Thinker: Ability to solve complex problems and thrive in ambiguity.
• Forward Looking: Awareness of emerging technologies and market trends.
• Self-Driven: Strong organizational skills and accountability.
• Ethical: Commitment to integrity and A. O. Smith’s values.
• Communicator: Ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience in engineering with a focus on controls, optimization, estimation or detection algorithms.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C, C++, or Python.
• Experience developing solutions for complex physical systems (HVAC, mechanical, power, transportation, aviation).
• Some experience in embedded code development and troubleshooting.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel at a minimum of 2 weeks per year.

Additional Qualifications:

• PhD Preferred.
• Experience with schematic and PCB layout tools, such as KiCad or Altium, a plus.
• Understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and/or heat pump cycles a plus.

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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