Project Engineer III - Commercial Products

The Project Engineer 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. 

• Lead 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. 

• 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

• Advanced Degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Aerospace Engineering with specialization in Thermal-Fluids and/or Energy Engineering.

• 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 high-efficiency heat pump architecture and factory/field installed accessories. 

• Experience with staged and/or inverter-driven compressors, electronic expansion valve (EEV), variable-speed fan systems, advanced control algorithm development and capacity modulation strategies. 

• 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. 

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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