Project Engineer III (Design & Development)

U.S. Water Heating; Fort Smith (AR); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Rheem North America in Fort Smith, AR, is seeking a Project Engineer III (Design & Development) to drive the design, development, and validation of commercial rooftop packaged and split HVAC&R systems. The role focuses on system modeling, prototyping, testing, and cost-improvement efforts across the product life cycle.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in HVAC&R development, hands-on lab experience, and strong skills in thermo-fluid analysis, control strategies, and phase-gate project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in HVAC&R product development with phase-gate processes.
• Experience validating HVAC systems with inverter-driven components.
• Strong thermo-fluid analysis and design optimization experience.
• Hands-on lab experience in development environments preferred.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting for projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of next-gen rooftop and split HVAC products.
• Drive projects from concept through launch using phase-gate process.
• Perform thermo-fluid analysis with tools and simulations.
• Coordinate with Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance.
• Design and select components for HVAC integration and performance.
• Plan concept and validation testing to verify reliability and standards.
• Document findings, create reports, and manage project scope.

Skills

HVAC&R product development

Phase-gate development

Thermo-fluid modeling

Lab prototyping & testing

Project leadership

Data analysis & statistics

MS Office familiarity

Education

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

Tools

Creo

Solidworks

Pro/E

FEA

CFD

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.

• 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.

• 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:

• Aligning Performance for Success
• Applying Business Knowledge
• Building Talent
• Building Trusted Relationships
• Communicating with Impact
• Customer-Orientation
• Delegating Tasks
• Executing/Leading the Team
• Facilitating Change
• Fostering Relationships/ Emotional Intelligence
• Influencing
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Supporting Innovation

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

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