Lab Mechanical Engineer - Test & Validation

A. O. Smith Corporation; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement savings plan

Disability programs

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A. O. Smith Corporation, a Milwaukee-based leader in water heating solutions, is seeking a Lab Engineer to design and execute tests, instrument products, and analyze results for performance and reliability.

The role emphasizes hands-on hardware work, data-driven decisions, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate has a mechanical background, 1–2 years of lab/test experience, and comfort with regulatory and safety standards.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related engineering discipline.
• 1-2 years of engineering laboratory, product testing, HVAC, water heating, or related experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and test procedures.
• Experience with common workshop tools, fabrication equipment, and laboratory hardware.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Perform appropriate laboratory administrative tasks (i.e. enforcement of lab safety/rules, 5S, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, and execute lab testing of residential and commercial water heaters and related systems.
• Instrument products with thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, power analyzers, and other sensors.
• Develop test procedures and protocols to support engineering investigations and product validation.
• Operate and monitor test systems while ensuring adherence to established test methods and safety requirements.
• Conduct performance, reliability, durability, environmental, and compliance testing.
• Make detailed observations during testing and communicate effectively with engineering teams.
• Design, fabricate, assemble, and modify test fixtures, plumbing systems, and experimental apparatus.
• Specify, install, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, controls, and laboratory equipment issues.
• Support laboratory modernization initiatives and continuous improvement of testing capabilities.
• Maintain calibration records and ensure proper operation of test equipment.

Skills

Mechanical Eng

Instrumentations

Data analysis

Communication

Independent work

Education

B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

LabVIEW

NI data acquisition

SolidWorks

Job description

A. O. Smith Corporation, a Milwaukee-based leader in water heating solutions, is seeking a Lab Engineer to design and execute tests, instrument products, and analyze results for performance and reliability.

The role emphasizes hands-on hardware work, data-driven decisions, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate has a mechanical background, 1–2 years of lab/test experience, and comfort with regulatory and safety standards.