Lab Engineer - Mechanical

Company / Location Information

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Primary Function

The Lab Engineer plays a critical role in supporting the development, verification, and improvement of water heating products. This individual will be responsible for designing and conducting laboratory tests, developing and maintaining test equipment, collecting and analyzing data, and collaborating with project engineers to evaluate product performance, reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate is highly mechanical, enjoys working with hardware, has strong troubleshooting abilities, and is equally comfortable turning a wrench, installing instrumentation, or analyzing test results. 

Responsibilities

Product Testing & Validation

• Plan, set up, and execute lab testing of residential and commercial water heaters and related systems.
• Instrument products with thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, power analyzers, and other sensors.
• Develop test procedures and protocols to support engineering investigations and product validation.
• Operate and monitor test systems while ensuring adherence to established test methods and safety requirements.
• Conduct performance, reliability, durability, environmental, and compliance testing.
• Make detailed observations during testing and communicate effectively with engineering teams.

Laboratory Equipment & Test Systems

• Design, fabricate, assemble, and modify test fixtures, plumbing systems, and experimental apparatus.
• Specify, install, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, controls, and laboratory equipment issues.
• Support laboratory modernization initiatives and continuous improvement of testing capabilities.
• Maintain calibration records and ensure proper operation of test equipment.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Configure data acquisition systems and collect test data.
• Analyze results using Excel, data acquisition software, and engineering tools.
• Create charts, summaries, technical reports, and engineering documentation.
• Assist engineers in identifying root causes of product performance or reliability issues.
• Maintain accurate and organized test records and laboratory documentation.

Product Development Support

• Collaborate with design engineers during prototype development and evaluation.
• Participate in design reviews and provide hands-on feedback
• Build, modify, and evaluate prototype products and subsystems.
• Support competitive benchmarking and product teardown activities.

Laboratory Operations & Safety

• Promote a strong laboratory safety culture and ensure compliance with company safety procedures.
• Support 5S and laboratory organization initiatives.
• Maintain laboratory consumables, tools, and equipment inventories.
• Assist with training and mentoring engineering co-ops, interns, and new laboratory personnel.
• Support certification, regulatory, and compliance testing activities as needed. Responsibilities:

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related engineering discipline.
• 1-2 years of engineering laboratory, product testing, HVAC, water heating, or related experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and test procedures.
• Experience with common workshop tools, fabrication equipment, and laboratory hardware.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Perform appropriate laboratory administrative tasks (i.e. enforcement of lab safety/rules, 5S, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within cross-functional teams.

Preferred

• Experience with water heaters, boilers, HVAC systems, heat pumps or thermal-fluid equipment.
• Experience with LabVIEW, NI data acquisition systems, or similar platforms.
• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software.
• Familiarity with ANSI, CSA, UL, DOE, ENERGY STAR®, AHRI, or related industry standards.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting capabilities.
• Welding, machining, plumbing, fabrication, or prototyping experience.
• HVAC Certification is a plus

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.
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ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.