Job Title: Engineering Manager - Product Development, Thermal SolutionsJob OverviewWe are seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and energetic engineering leader to drive product development in the area of thermal system of electrical heaters - Core heater technology. This role requires a strong technical foundation combined with the ability to lead teams, make timely decisions, and balance trade-offs effectively while delivering high-quality results.
The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of leading cross-functional development efforts, engage key stakeholders, and consistently meeting project timelines.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage product development activities focused on thermal and heat transfer solutions
- Drive timely and high-quality execution of projects by making informed technical and business decisions
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, supply chain, and business units
- Provide leadership to a team (direct reports or project/subsystem teams), including task planning, delegation, and execution oversight
- Support engineering builds and work closely with manufacturing and process engineering teams during production ramp-up
- Review engineering analyses including thermal calculations, FEA/CFD simulations, and tolerance stack-ups
- Lead exploration and design validation phases
- Well versed in using risk mitigation tools such as DFMEA
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams, 8D, A3) to resolve technical challenges
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma and statistical tools
Required Qualifications & Experience- 8-10 years of industry experience in product development within thermal and heat transfer domains
- Proven experience in a leadership role, either as a people manager (minimum 2 direct reports) or technical/project leader
- Strong understanding of:
- Heat transfer fundamentals and thermal system design
- FEA and CFD simulation tools
- GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
- DFMEA and design validation processes
- Experience with statistical and quality tools including:
- Design of Experiments (DOE)
- Measurement System Evaluation (MSE)
- Coefficient of Variation (COV)
- Process variation analysis and CpK
Preferred Qualifications- Background in material science or material technologies, particularly:
- Metallic materials and properties
FeCrAl alloys
NiCr
- Ceramic materials and processes
Refractories
Ceramic powder
Magnesium Aluminate spinel
Aluminum Nitride
- Six Sigma Green Belt (minimum) or Black Belt certification preferred
- Advanced experience working closely with manufacturing and process engineering teams
Education- Required: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
- Preferred: Master's degree in Thermal Engineering, Heat Transfer, or Materials Engineering
- Highly Preferred: PhD in Materials Science, Ceramics, or related discipline
Key Competencies- Strong leadership and team management skills
- High level of ownership and accountability
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Effective communication and stakeholder management
- Ability to prioritize, manage trade-offs, and deliver under tight deadlines
Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a
fullrange of life and career enhancing benefits:
- Annual Incentive Program
- 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
- Wellness incentives
- Employee Personal Assistance Program
- Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
