Principal Engineer

The Principal Engineer, is responsible for the design and development of cost effective and practical product development. Assists the Manager in providing direction to the product development team members for various engineering development activities.

This position will serve Rheem North America, located in Fort Smith, AR (Remote).

• Participate in establishing objectives and recommend business opportunities for the division.


• Support the departmental priorities for all engineering development projects: safety, quality, cost reduction, and new product development.


• Plan short and long-range product development programs to achieve or fulfill: market requirements, good manufacturing practices, product cost requirements, optimum balance of manpower, expense and desired program completion dates, and regulatory requirements.


• Serve as a technical specialist for the Division in the application of product concepts, designs, principles, and processes for residential air-conditioning products.


• Serve as a consultant in the process of solving field and production problems that require design changes, material substitutions, etc.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 7 years of prior relevant experience 
• Broad knowledge of project management.
• The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation, or delivery of processes, programs, and policies.
• Experience in HVAC product design and development engineering.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient computer skills and in-depth knowledge of relevant software such as MS Office Suite.
• Has Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a matrix team environment.
• Experience in the design and manufacture of residential air-conditioners and heat pumps.
• Technical expertise in split air-conditioning and heat pump theory and design including computer modeling, cost optimization, performance optimization, refrigerant line sizing, safety, and reliability.
• Ability to apply broad engineering principles related to mechanical, structural, electrical, and materials to the design of residential air-conditioning and heat pump products.
• Strong project management, analytical, and financial skills.
• Familiar with the capabilities of typical design software utilized for CAD, FEA, CFD, etc.
• Experience with agency approval requirements and familiarity with appliance standards development.
• Ability to write effective reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.

As a leader 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.