Project Engineer III

Rheem Manufacturing Company; Fort Smith (AR); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Rheem Manufacturing Company in Fort Smith, AR seeks a Project Engineer III (Design & Development) to lead design and development of commercial rooftop packaged and split HVAC&R systems. You will oversee modeling, prototyping, testing, and analysis from concept to product launch, while driving cost improvements and supporting ongoing maintenance.

The role requires hands-on lab experience, strong thermo-fluid skills, and collaboration with cross-functional teams across Sourcing, Manufacturing,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace or related Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in product development related to HVAC&R equipment.
• Experience working in a phase gate product development environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of next-generation commercial rooftop and split-system products, including variable-speed compressors and advanced controls.
• Lead engineering projects from concept through launch using Rheem’s phase gate development process.
• Conduct thermo-fluid analysis using analytical methods and in-house design tools.

Skills

Thermo-fluid modeling

Project management

Lab/testing coordination

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace or related Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks/Pro/E

Job description

Job Description

The Project Engineer III (Design & Development) will be responsible for product design and development activities for our Commercial Rooftop Packaged and Split HVAC&R systems. As a member of the product engineering team, this position will have to perform, lead and coordinate activities related to system and component modeling, simulation, design, prototyping, testing and analysis, and all other engineering activities from concept through product launch as well as take part in cost improvement and product maintenance activities. This position will play a key role in new technology development and validation activities. This position will serve Rheem North America located in Fort Smith, AR. This role follows our hybrid work arrangement, with team members working in the office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays. Relocation assistance is available.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of next-generation commercial rooftop and split-system products, including variable-speed compressors, vapor injection technology, advanced controls, and high-efficiency heat pump architecture
• Lead engineering projects from concept through launch using Rheem’s phase gate development process.
• Conduct thermo-fluid analysis using analytical methods, in- house design tools/software and other commercial software.
• Conduct background research, analysis and testing of various design options as it relates to key requirements ( including applicable product and test standards, performance, cost, manufacturability, installability, serviceability).
• Lead activities as necessary with other functions such as Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance etc. to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Design, analyze, and select components for HVAC systems, including compressors, coils, fans, valves, and controls, ensuring optimal system integration and performance.
• Plan and conduct concept and validation testing to evaluate system performance, reliability, and compliance with internal and external standards.
• Investigate and troubleshoot product design related problems and opportunities, document findings and perform corrective/improvement changes.
• Create reports and presentations on project activities as required.
• Manage projects of large and small scale, to ensure project is executed within time, cost and budget constraints.
• Keep abreast of industry activities, product and technology trends and the competitive landscape.
• Support the development of factory and field-installed accessories for assigned products.
• Own and manage documentation including design specifications, engineering drawings, BOMs, test plans, and technical reports.
• Drive continuous improvement and support value engineering, cost-reduction, and quality initiatives.
• Perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace or related Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in product development related to HVAC&R equipment.
• Experience working in a phase gate product development environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and validating HVAC systems, including inverter-driven compressors, vapor injection technologies, electronic expansion valve (EEV) control, variable-speed fan systems, capacity modulation strategies, and control algorithm development.
• Strong proficiency in application of thermo-fluid modeling, analysis, design and development of products and systems.
• Must be hands -on and have experience working in a development lab, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability working in a product development team as well as leading other engineers and lab technicians.
• Demonstrated proficiency with data analysis including statistical and uncertainty analysis.
• Demonstrated ability in designing experiments, interpreting experimental data, conducting analysis, drawing conclusions and preparing summary reports.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency in all business-related software packages (e.g. MS Office), as well as experience with specific applications and programs related to design engineering (i.e., Creo, Solidworks, Pro/E, etc). Familiarity and/or experience with CAE analysis (FEA, CFD).
• Extensive experience in project management, materials selection, manufacturing processes and business processes.

How To Stand Out

• Extensive knowledge of applicable codes and standards (including but not limited to UL, AHRI 340/360, 1340, 210/240, 1380, ASHRAE, IECC, Title 24)
• Experience in component selection, system design, and integration.
• Hands-on experience with psychrometric, reliability and safety testing of commercial HVAC products.
• Direct experience with commercial rooftop packaged HVAC systems, including factory and field installed accessories.
• Understanding of DFM/DFA principles and manufacturing processes.
• Organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple projects and prioritizing appropriately.
• Self-directed and quick learner who takes ownership of tasks/projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills and thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Advanced Degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Aerospace Engineering. Specialization in Thermal-Fluids and/or Energy Engineering.

At Rheem, How You Achieve Results Is As Important As The Results You Achieve. While LEADING OTHERS, You Will Be Expected To Demonstrate The Following Competencies And Behaviors

Our Behavior Based Values Set Us Apart

• Listening to Understand – Open mind, learning from others, accepting feedback, embracing the objective
• Contributing Respectfully - Sharing opinions, valuing ideas, sharing opposing perspectives with respect
• Thinking Creatively – Applying creativity, seeking improvements, understanding from the customers’ lens
• Acting with Responsibility – Owning decisions and actions, acting with integrity, embracing accountability

Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements.

About Us

At Rheem, we engineer products for life. For home life. For work life. For the life of the planet we all share. Backed by over 100 years of expertise, we’re passionate about product innovation and boldly committed to sustainability. Our full line of global air and water solutions deliver reliable performance, comfort and energy savings for residential and commercial applications worldwide. From engineers to accountants, sales professionals to support experts, Rheem depends on people to power our innovations. Join Rheem and help shape the future of products that impact lives—every day.

Rheem is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Rheem encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including those of any race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The job description above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements. For U.S. Based jobs, please note that Rheem is unable to hire candidates to be employed in the following states: Alaska, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, or Vermont. Rheem and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of an executed Recruitment Services Agreement, there will be no obligation to any referral compensation or recruiter fee.