Product Design Engineer - Data Center

Trane Technologies

Fort Smith, AR

Estimated pay: Est. $17–$24/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)

Shift: Full time

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies , and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King , sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world. Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home. We boldly go. Where is the work: Monday to Thursday, work onsite with your colleagues. Fridays, choose your work location, balancing what your work requires. We are seeking a high-energy, technically proficient Product Design Engineer - Data Center to join our team at the Fort Smith, AR facility to support the rapidly growing Data Center Fan Coil Wall product line. In this critical plant-facing engineering role, you will act as the operational and design bridge between engineering and operations, spearheading the local execution of New Product Development (NPD) projects, resolving immediate shop-floor manufacturing and field feedback issues, and managing change orders and BOM structures. Additionally, you will serve as the primary engineering liaison connecting the Fort Smith manufacturing facility with the core TCDC Pod engineering team. Core Job Responsibilities: Serve as the central communication and technical bridge between the Fan Coil Wall development team and the Fort Smith plant operations, manufacturing engineering, and quality teams. Spearhead the implementation, qualification, and pilot runs of New Product Development (NPD) programs for Data Center Fan Coil Wall products at the Fort Smith plant. Actively participate in technical design reviews, DFM reviews, DFMEAs, and risk assessments to ensure next-generation designs are optimized for assembly, throughput, and error-proofing in production. Act as the primary on-site design authority for immediate shop floor troubleshooting, technician inquiries, fit-up issues, and quality deviations. Investigate field performance issues, warranty inquiries, and customer feedback; drive rigorous 8D/root cause corrective actions back into product design and assembly procedures. Support factory testing, witness testing, and custom performance verification alongside visiting customers and quality personnel. Drive, coordinate, and expedite Engineering Change Orders (ECOs / ECNs) through cross-functional reviews to ensure timely implementation without production interruptions. Direct and coordinate the configuration and upload of Bills of Materials (BOMs) into plant ERP/MRP systems, ensuring seamless component procurement and costing accuracy. Identify cost-out, weight-reduction, and standardization opportunities within the active Fan Coil Wall production lines. Review customer specifications, bid documents, and job requirements to generate tailored submittal packages and technical documentation. Host and facilitate regular order coordination meetings between the plant, product management, sourcing, and customer-facing teams. Ensure engineering milestones and documentation are delivered on schedule to align with aggressive customer construction timelines. Design custom HVAC systems to meet the customer demand and industry standards. Manage project scope and bid documentation to identify job specific cost reduction opportunities. Create submittal packages with the level of detail required by the specific customer. Direct consultation with the customer may be required. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), Electrical Engineering (BSEE), or related engineering discipline. Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience in product design, plant sustaining/RTS engineering, or manufacturing support. Proven experience with 3D modeling and 2D drafting tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Creo). Strong proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and familiarity with ERP/PLM/PDM systems (e.g., Windchill, Oracle, SAP). Willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 10% Preferred Qualifications: Experience with custom HVAC equipment, air-handling units (AHUs), or high-density data center thermal management products (fan coil walls, CRAH/CRAC units). Proven track record leading new product line introductions (NPI/NPD) into a high-mix or rapid-ramp manufacturing environment. Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, structural frames, electrical wiring/controls (3-phase power), fans/motors (EC/VFD), cooling coils, and piping assemblies. Master’s Degree in Engineering or MBA. Key Competencies: Demonstrated capability to coordinate across functional and geographic boundaries (design engineers, plant technicians, sourcing, and project managers). Fast-pace