Engineering Manager- Thermal Solutions

Watlow Recruitment Team • St. Louis, MO

1d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Nice To Haves

• 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
• Master's degree in Thermal Engineering, Heat Transfer, or Materials Engineering
• PhD in Materials Science, Ceramics, or related discipline

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

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager