Project Engineer III; Design & Development

Job Description

The Project Engineer III is responsible for managing all aspects of product design and development activities for our International Ducted HVAC systems. The International Ducted team develops HVAC systems primarily manufactured in Mexico and the UAE for the MEA market. 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 responsibility for product maintenance, cost improvement, quality improvement and similar projects.

This position will direct and coordinate a project team in the planning, organization, implementation, and completion of engineering project assignments, playing a key role in new technology development and validation activities.

This position will serve Rheem North America located in Fort Smith, AR (Hybrid). 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 HVAC products, including variable-speed compressors.
• Lead engineering projects from concept through launch using Rheem’s phase-gate development process.
• Conduct thermos-fluid analysis using analytical methods, in-house design tools, 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, and serviceability.
• Lead activities with cross-functional teams to address challenges and ensure successful completion of projects.
• Design, analyze, and select components for HVAC systems, 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, document findings, and perform corrective actions.
• Create reports and presentations on project activities as required.
• Manage projects of varying scale to ensure projects are executed within time 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, sustaining, and quality initiatives.
• Review industry policies and procedures to ensure data accuracy, security, and regulatory compliance
• Take action to resolve operational problems and minimize delays.
• Identify, develop, and gather resources necessary to complete the project.
• Prepare engineering designs and work specifications.
• Develop project schedules, budgets, and forecasts.
• Serve as a technical mentor to junior engineers, supporting their development through coaching, knowledge transfer, design reviews, and hands-on guidance while promoting engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in product development related to HVAC&R equipment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and validating HVAC systems including inverter-driven compressors, vapor injection technologies, electronic expansion valve control, variable-speed fan systems, capacity modulation strategies, and control algorithm development.
• Strong proficiency in application of thermos-fluid modeling, analysis, design and development of products and systems.
• Demonstrated ability in designing experiments, interpreting data, conducting data analysis, including statistical and uncertainty analysis, drawing conclusions, and preparing summary reports.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and…