Project Engineer

Kinetico Incorporated; Suwanee (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinetico Incorporated in Suwanee, GA is seeking a Project Engineer to lead product development projects from a technical perspective, perform design validation, and coordinate with manufacturing for DFM.

The role requires a Mechanical Engineering degree, 5+ years of experience, SolidWorks proficiency, FEA/CFD basics, and the ability to drive cost reductions while maintaining product performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical.
• 5+ years designing highly reliable products, for mass production.
• Experience with water filtration products is a plus.
• Experience coordinating with other functions to create project scope documents.
• Direct experience using SolidWorks to create 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Understanding of tolerance stack‑up calculations and seal design.

Responsibilities

• Leads technical product development projects from a design and engineering perspective.
• Develops 2D/3D models and prints using SolidWorks.
• Designs components, sealing members, interfaces, structural members, and systems with drinking-water compatible materials.
• Performs FEA and CFD analysis to ensure manufacturability and performance.
• Develops low-cost proof of concept prototypes and performs structural testing.
• Collaborates with manufacturing to identify cost reductions tied to design or assembly operations.
• Drives changes to enhance value and reduce labor costs.
• Collaborates with suppliers to ensure components meet design expectations.
• Participates in design reviews and DFA/DFM activities and automation design.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Collaboration

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA

CFD

Job description

Love what you do at Kinetico Kinetico believes in treating its employees with respect. They play a vital role in enabling our innovation, growth and success. We strive to provide them with opportunities to grow in a motivating environment.

Job Description

Purpose

The Project Engineer role is responsible for leadership of product development projects from a technical point of view, with further responsibility for product performance analysis, design validation and collaboration with manufacturing regarding design for manufacturability for the KineticoPRO® filtration center of excellence in Suwanee, GA. Product development is focused on several key water filtration platforms in the commercial filtration market.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

• Leads technical product development projects from a design and engineering perspective.
• Develops 2D/3D models and prints using SolidWorks.
• Designs components, sealing members, interfaces, structural members, and systems utilizing drinking‑water compatible materials.
• Performs Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis on product designs to ensure manufacturability, field performance, and meets marketing / customer requirements.
• Develops low‑cost proof of concept prototypes, performs structural testing and incorporates learnings to optimize the cost, feasibility, and performance of the designs.
• Applies a “decision by data” approach and seeks ways to identify simple and economic means to gather and document product performance.
• Engages manufacturing / operations and proposes cost reduction or yield enhancement opportunities tied to design or assembly operations.
• Drives changes to enhance value / performance / and reduce labor cost.
• Collaborates with suppliers to ensure components are manufactured to design and performance expectation.
• Is willing to alter the design for reduced cost and enhanced manufacturability while keeping the design intent vision and product performance outcome intact.
• Participates in formal design reviews, DFM / DFA activities, and automation design.
• Leads / manages projects on a day‑to‑day basis towards agreed upon completion dates.

Key Performance Indicators

• Proficiency of designing components, assemblies, and understanding the interactions of components in a product design.
• Thorough understanding of plastics, metals, fabrication processes, elastomers, and associated manufacturing processes.
• Ability to collaborate, influence and build relationships across capabilities, channels and business units.
• Effective management of multiple projects and deadlines.
• Identifies areas of opportunity for cost reduction, platform optimization and recommends areas for product performance enhancements.

Key Challenges and Decisions

This position will continue to build the cornerstone of the Suwanee operation’s product development capability. Reviewing all existing product for proper performance, making enhancements to improve performance, and documenting and implementing the changes will be the initial focus of the role.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical.
• 5+ years of experience in designing highly reliable products, for mass production.
• Experience with water filtration products is a plus.
• Experience with engaging other functions within the organization to create project scope documents.
• Understanding and ability to prescribe various product testing and validation methodologies.
• Direct experience using SolidWorks to create 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Understanding of and ability to perform tolerance stack‑up calculations.
• Understanding of seal design, injection molding, and metal machining / fabrication.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills in order to manage multiple customers and stakeholders
• Leadership skills and collaborative work style
• Strong analytical, problem solving and project management skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi‑task 10% travel required

Organizational Context

The Project Engineer role reports to the Sr. Director Technology / Product Development for the commercial marketplace. This role collaborates with all technical functions as well as the sales, marketing, management and IT capabilities across the Suwanee operation as well as throughout the Kinetico organization.

Our Commitment and Difference

Founded in 1970, Kinetico was started by two engineers who pioneered the development of non‑electric, fully automatic water treatment systems. Evolving from the Tangent Company, a small consulting design firm, Kinetico soon became a global organization of independent dealers, international distributors representing nearly 100 countries. Through the dedication of its founders, employees and distribution network, Kinetico has experienced tremendous success. The company has grown from a two-man, creative undertaking into a strong and dynamic organization. Innovative technology and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction have distinguished the company and positioned Kinetico as a leader in today’s ever‑changing water treatment industry manufacturing water softeners, along with a wide range of systems that improve water quality for general use, as well as those that provide high‑quality drinking water for consumption. Kinetico products are Third Party certified to confirm quality and performance and complimented by the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Kinetico is part of the Axel Johnson Group of companies, a global organization and fifth generation company that continues to be successful in developing leading businesses.

EEO and Diversity

Kinetico Incorporated is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act*), or any other legally protected status, with respect to employment opportunities.

E‑Verify

We verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.

About Kinetico History (repeat)

Founded in 1970 by two engineers, Kinetico pioneered the development of non‑electric, fully mechanical water treatment systems. What began as a small firm quickly grew into a global company with a network of independent dealers and distributors serving nearly 100 countries. Driven by science, innovation and high‑quality service, Kinetico designs precision‑engineered water treatment solutions that provide customized water solutions improving water. Kinetico is trusted by homeowners and businesses around the world to improve the water they depend on every day. Kinetico is part of the Axel Johnson Group, a global, fifth‑generation company continuing its success in developing leading businesses.