Engineering Manager- Thermal Solutions

We 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

• 810 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 full range 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

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.