Product Development Engineer - Refrigeration

Perlick Corporation; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Perlick Corporation in Milwaukee, WI seeks a Product Development Engineer to design, develop, validate and continually improve refrigeration equipment for residential and light commercial use. You will lead all aspects of product development from concept through production launch, applying thermodynamics, heat transfer, and controls integration.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to document requirements, build 3D models in SolidWorks, perform tests, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Refrigeration/HVAC engineering or related field.
• Two+ years in product development of fractional horsepower vapor compression refrigeration equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• United States work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development from concept to production launch.
• Model thermodynamics and heat transfer; analyze performance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance (UL, NSF, DOE, Energy Star, CSA, ETL).
• Create test plans and coordinate testing with labs.
• Perform DFMEA, tolerance analyses, and risk assessments.
• Develop prototypes with SolidWorks drawings and specifications.

Skills

CAD experience

PDM/ERP systems

Vapor compression refrigeration

Problem solving

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/ Refrigeration/ HVAC engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA

CFD

Job description

Vision Statement: Helping the world serve better.Mission Statement: (We Aim) to build the best bar in the world and be irreplaceable by delivering the total Perlick experience.Perlick Values: Lead by Serving – others before self, Grow by Innovation – solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations, Continuous Improvement – strive to get better every day, Live the Legacy – maintain our positive reputations with the future in mindSUMMARY: The Product Development Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of refrigeration equipment and associated products for residential and light commercial applications. This role leads all facets of product development of refrigeration equipment including refrigeration system architecture, component selection, performance optimization, design for regulatory compliance, prototype development, and product validation activities from concept through production launch. This position requires strong expertise in vapor compression refrigeration systems, thermodynamics, heat transfer, controls integration, and industry standards governing residential and commercial refrigeration equipment.PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Functions as a valued team player who collaborates with their manager and cross functional teams to document engineering requirements.Assists or leads the conversion of product and business requirements into design concepts and helps determine the appropriate materials, components, systems, and process methods to meet those requirements.Select and specify refrigeration components including compressors, heat exchangers, expansion devices, fans & motors, controls, sensors, wiring, and refrigeration piping.Create and validate thermodynamic and heat transfer models of refrigeration systems to analyze system performance, efficiency, capacity, and operating characteristicsPerform refrigeration cycle analysis and system optimization to achieve performance, energy efficiency, reliability, and cost objectives.Ensure products comply with applicable regulatory and certification requirements, including UL, NSF, DOE, Energy Star, CSA, ETLConduct design reviews, DFMEA activities, tolerance analyses, and risk assessments.Create test plans and product test requests for completion in internal or external testing laboratories.Perform data analysis of laboratory test results and provide technical direction and support to laboratory technicians.Creates and maintains various Engineering specifications to define company best practices.Prepares or coordinates with others in the creation of 3D models and engineering drawings in SolidWorks to document components and assemblies.Assists or coordinates the development and communication of conceptual ideas and solutions to internal teams and suppliers.Leads product teardowns, analysis, and reporting on competitive product designs.Supports or performs rigorous engineering analysis to develop design concepts that meet specifications using multi-physics/math modeling, digital prototyping (FEA, CFD, etc), and rapid prototyping methods.Creates visual and functional performance standards and assists in developing analysis or functional tests to identify and correct any weaknesses in products to ensure solutions meet aesthetic, functional and regulatory design criteria.Works with internal and external partners to define and develop prototypes used to validate engineering performance predictions or demonstrate new product features and benefits. Supports the release, sourcing, and construction, and inspection of prototypes with suppliers and manufacturing teams.Performs root cause analysis and applies systematic problem-solving techniques (DMAIC, PDCA, A3, 8D, etc.)Participates or leads project team meetings, including formal design reviews.Keeps leadership apprised of work and ongoing issues.Able to travel to suppliers, development partners, and manufacturing plants as required to support company goals.Other duties and projects as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to be successful in this role.Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, HVAC Engineering, or related engineering disciplineTwo or more years’ product development experience in fractional horsepower vapor compression refrigeration equipmentExcellent written and verbal communicationResiliency and a passion for problem solving.United States work authorizationExperience wth sheet metal fabrication, castings, machining, metal joining, plastics, and factory assembly methods.Experience with electro-mechanical components and sub-systems.Experience using CAD, PDM and ERP systemsKnowledge of third-party certification processes such as UL and NSF.PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Daily work may include sitting, bending, standing, crouching, reaching, and some lifting (up to 25 lbs.).Perlick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Perlick does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status.Sponsorship and/or relocation are not available for this position.#LI-Hybrid