Design Engineer

Bock Water Heaters; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bock Water Heaters is looking for a Design Engineer in Madison, WI. This position requires a robust knowledge of engineering principles alongside planning and design skills to support product development and enhancement goals.

Key responsibilities include applying engineering principles, conducting lab tests, and collaborating with vendors on new components. Candidates should have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and 3-5 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related field required.
• Strong technical understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to develop high-quality water heating products.
• Design water heater parts and subassemblies.
• Conduct and delegate lab tests to support product development.

Skills

Engineering principles knowledge

Strong planning and design skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

Job description

The Design Engineer position requires a robust knowledge of engineering principles, paired with strong planning and design skills, to support product development and enhancement goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles such as heat transfer and fluid dynamics to support the development of high-quality water heating products.
• Design water heater parts and subassemblies that meet the fit, form, and functional requirements of the final assembly.
• Conduct and delegate lab tests to support product development and performance enhancement projects.
• Analyze data in accordance with government and industry standards using engineering and statistical methods.
• Support agency approval projects by conducting or overseeing standardized tests and managing file updates.
• Work closely with vendors to develop new components from concept through approval.
• Create 3D models and 2D drawings of new and existing products using SolidWorks.
• Document design changes using the Engineering Change Notice (ECN) procedure and support manufacturing implementation.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to implement new products into production.
• Provide technical assistance to Product Support and Sales Managers.
• Provide engineering support to process improvement teams in manufacturing.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support to Bock's sister company, Tank Technology, Inc.
• Assist with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to illustrate proper assembly and testing methods for water heaters and components.
• Develop programs for the LabVIEW data acquisition system for product testing.
• Troubleshoot production quality issues.
• Attend at least one job-related training per year.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Working Conditions

• Typical office and testing environment.
• Travel to conferences and trade shows required.
• Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, or crouching in a lab environment.
• Occasional weekend or evening work and overnight travel may be required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related field required.
• Strong technical understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude required.
• Intermediate proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks to produce accurate drawings.
• Experience with CFD simulation preferred.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW data acquisition systems preferred.
• Experience interpreting and applying construction and performance standards preferred.
• Basic knowledge of plumbing, appliance venting, and electrical wiring preferred.
• Knowledge of government and industry standards preferred.
• Basic knowledge of combustion preferred.
• Understanding of communication principles and practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and MRP-related software.

Skills and Abilities

• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Perform mathematical calculations and analyze statistical data with a high degree of accuracy.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, selecting appropriate content and delivery methods.
• Demonstrate sound decision-making by analyzing data and considering outcomes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to plan and achieve goals, including sequencing tasks and estimating timelines.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including identifying issues, evaluating solutions, and implementing action plans.
• Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presentations.
• Ability to follow procedures while constructively and diplomatically challenging ideas.

Behavioral Characteristics and Communication

• Demonstrate confidence and knowledge while remaining approachable.
• Apply and promote best practices.
• Communicate honestly and respectfully.
• Maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Represent the company positively to the public and colleagues.
• Work cooperatively with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Adaptability: Flexible and receptive to change.
• Approachability: Listens attentively and responds appropriately.
• Collaboration: Actively engages others to achieve goals.
• Ethics and Integrity: Upholds strong ethical standards and addresses misconduct.
• Personal Accountability: Takes responsibility for actions and learns from experiences.
• Trust and Respect: Demonstrates reliability, openness, and respect for all employees.

About the Company

Bock Water Heaters, a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation, is 100% employee-owned. The company's success is driven by its dedicated owner-employees. We remain strong, innovative, responsible, and financially sound while manufacturing a complete "Made in America" product.

Employee ownership extends beyond financial participation-it includes a shared responsibility to improve processes, products, and people. We seek individuals who are engaged, enthusiastic, collaborative, and motivated to grow and be challenged.