Early Career - Thermal Mechanical 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.

Primary Function

Mechanical Engineer who is responsible for supporting research and development of thermal systems and components by applying fundamental principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to the analysis, design, prototyping, testing, and documentation of new and existing residential and commercial water heaters and boilers.  The position involves conducting tests, recording data, and analyzing thermal performance data obtained from testing to ensure design requirements are met, with a 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.  Works under the guidance of senior engineers and within cross‑functional teams to execute engineering tasks, generate experimental data, evaluate concepts, and contribute to technical solutions that advance product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to HVAC and heat pump development projects by executing assigned engineering tasks related to system and component analysis, laboratory testing, data reduction, and design support under the direction of senior engineers.
• Plans and conducts laboratory experiments involving heat pump systems or components (e.g., compressors, heat exchangers, refrigerant circuits, fans, pumps, and controls hardware), following established test procedures and safety requirements.
• Develops and applies analytical or numerical models (spreadsheets, first‑principles calculations, or simulation tools) to support performance evaluation, design trade studies, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Collects, analyzes, and documents thermal performance data, including efficiency, capacity, operating limits, and transient behavior, and clearly communicates findings through technical reports, presentations, and data summaries.
• Collaborates with cross‑functional teams (manufacturing, controls, reliability, product management, and external research partners as applicable) to support technology maturation from early concept through validation testing.
• Builds technical capability and independence over time, expanding responsibility for problem definition, test planning, and engineering judgment as experience and proficiency increase.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Engineering or Sciences, preferably in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering with Mechatronics.
• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering also considered
• Minimum of three months of related work experience which may include co-op or internship experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of thermal engineering fundamentals (including basic understanding of refrigeration cycles).
• Troubleshooting knowledge of thermal systems.
• Basic understanding of computer programming languages.
• Rudimentary knowledge of reliability.
• Familiarity with basic test instrumentation, (power meters, pressure gages, thermocouples) and DAQ systems
• Fundamental understanding of problem solving, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.

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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ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.