Lead HVAC Engineer - Rinnai America Corporation

Creating A Healthier Way of Living

Rinnai America Corporation is the leader in tankless water heating, a technology that is growing rapidly as businesses and homes “yank the tank” and convert to an efficient, endless supply of hot water and the only tankless water heating manufacturer in the US. We have a commitment to our employees and a strong, accountable culture with a practice of giving back to our communities.

Rinnai America Corporation (RAC) is looking for RAC-STARS! Check out why Rinnai is the hottest place to work https://www.rinnai.us/about/why-rinnai.

What does a System Design Engineering Manager do at Rinnai?

Provide engineering expertise and product development leadership to the design, application, marketing and sales efforts of Rinnai’s HVAC products of North America (heat pump water and space systems, air handler units, direct vent furnaces, vent free convectors, and other space and water heating or cooling products). This will provide for a mix of talent and experiences to complement the engineering task expectations of developing comprehensive products, applications and solutions for both Residential and Commercial marketplace. Provide project leadership in support of the development of new products and applications that drive the company growth.

• This position is located at 103 International Drive Peachtree City, GA with a hybrid schedule.
• Other Perks/Benefits: Best-in-class health benefit programs that provide eligibility on 1st day of employment, 401k match, Paid Volunteer Community Service Day, and so much more.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the planning and execution of engineering analysis, product design, and development for residential and commercial HVAC systems to meet and exceed program requirements.
• Develop and implement test plans, including application development, field testing, certification, and reliability assessment.
• Optimize heat pump systems for performance, efficiency, and reliability through advanced heat transfer and airflow solutions.
• Perform heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics calculations for water heating and space heating/cooling applications.
• Collaborate with performance and certification teams to ensure products meet regulatory requirements and support the transition to low GWP refrigerants.
• Provide technical direction, mentoring, and support for engineers in heat pump design, fluid dynamics, and HVAC applications.
• Review and develop technical literature and documentation for Rinnai HVAC products.
• Interface with certification and listing agencies (e.g., UL, ETL, AHRI, Energy Star, CSA) to ensure compliance.
• Actively participate in technical committees such as ASHRAE and AHRI to support industry alignment.
• Drive knowledge sharing and collaboration across engineering, certification, and product performance teams.
• Develop and support new product applications and solutions to drive Rinnai's market growth while adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Full product application responsibility from beginning to end. Embrace and support growing business demands in a changing environment.
• Embrace new product development processes and practices.
• Awareness and compliance of Company Policies and Procedures.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
• At least 7 years in engineering applications and product development, specifically related to heat pump systems and HVAC products.
• Strong understanding of ASHRAE, UL, CSA, AHRI, Energy Star, and related standards, including processes and testing methods for HVAC systems.
• Expertise in SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software; experience with HVAC design tools like Carrier HAP or Trane TRACE is a plus.
• Proven experience developing products using New Product Development processes, such as the Stage Gate Process.

SKILLS

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proven product development experience in HVAC systems and heat pump applications.
• Exceptional planning, organizational, and prioritization abilities, coupled with effective leadership to develop and execute objectives for self and teams.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with and motivate diverse engineering teams, with a solid understanding of certification standards for HVAC products.
• Desirable experience with advanced engineering tools, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).

ABILITIES

• Skilled in building strong working relationships and collaborating across departments.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment, responding to changing project needs and priorities.
• Committed to driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of innovation within the team.
• High level of personal integrity, ensuring adherence to company standards and values.

RESULTS

• Provide product recommendations based on a specified customer defined application
• Minimize warranty and service costs with front end system solution recommendation, also ensuring customer expectations are met
• Development of generic and custom system schematics Company Policies and Procedures implemented

Physical Activities

• Sit or stand for long periods of time
• Understand, speak, and communicate clearly
• Use hands, fingers to grasp

Physical Demands

• Occasional domestic travel

Environmental Conditions

• Indoor work conditions

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for Medical and Dependent Care

Paid Time Off (PTO), Floating Holidays (FH)

Paid Holidays

401(k) Plan with Company Match

Company Paid Life Insurance

Voluntary Life Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Professional Development

Tuition Reimbursement

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

Referral Bonuses

Paid Volunteer Community Service Day

Tobacco and Drug-Free Campuses

Employee, family, and friend’s discount

Rinnai America Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.