Sr. Applied Research Engineer 1

About this role

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water. We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do: For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

Scope of Position

The Sr. Applied Research Engineer I contributes to the development of new to Watts/AERCO, new to industry, and new to world innovations and technologies. This role will investigate and advance new technologies by completing research projects aimed at the development of unique and marketable products. Position will report to the Director of Applied Research and be responsible for researching opportunities, making proposals for research projects, project planning, scheduling, technology scouting, managing assigned projects and working with internal and external teams to develop or deploy new technologies.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. This position reports to Director, Applied Research. This role is based in Blauvelt, NY.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities • Investigate new technologies by completing research projects.  Facilitate effective brainstorming. • Leads assigned research projects and development of emerging technology with limited supervision from engineering management. •  Participate in continuing education activities to ensure that Watts/AERCO remains state-of-the-art in terms of technologies (and the management of) for water products and services. •  Participate in innovation sessions providing informed creative ideas. •  Ability to conceptualize new ideas and technologies .  

• Works with Engineering Lab to build and test prototype and Proof-of-Concept equipment. • Completes research efforts via literature evaluation, patent reviews, calculations, simulations, testing of concepts, 3D models, building early-stage proof of concept prototypes, etc.  using accepted engineering practices. • Perform project management duties on assigned research and technology projects including monthly reporting of efforts. • Maintains organized project files and completes reports and white papers on research results.  Generates budget estimates for prototypes builds • Participates in other research efforts as a team member or additional reviewer as required. • Adhere to current company and department policies and procedures. • Other duties assigned by the Director of Applied Research.

• Participates in open innovation with universities and start-ups as assigned, including as a team member or company representative. • Work with suppliers and vendors to complete research efforts.

• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Director, Applied Research or Company management. • Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency) • Travel Requirements: 5 to 10%

Required Qualifications • Master’s degree in engineering or related technical field. • 5 years of research or design engineering experience. • Familiar with a variety of field concepts, practices, and procedures. • Ability to identify the critical aspects of new concepts that need to be validated first. • Have the ability to critically assess a problem in the laboratory and provide relevant feedback and/or solutions, both from a research perspective and for currently implemented testing procedures. • Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. • Must be highly creative and innovative, working with a wide degree of latitude is expected. • Strong interpersonal skills including but not limited to: problem solving, influencing, written and oral communications along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups. • Ability to be resourceful, to act independently, where appropriate, and within budget constraints, and to recognize when higher intervention may be required. • Must be able to interact with all levels of management. • Must be proficient in the use personal computer tools, such as Microsoft: Word, Excel, Power Point, and Project. • Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable. • Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks, including drug screen, and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications • 3+ years’ experience in HVAC Heat Pump design, or Chiller design. • 5+ years of research or design engineering experience • Experience with 3D modeling and process simulation software, CFD modeling of 2 phase heat transfer systems is a plus.

General Applicable Company Competencies • Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency. • Punctuality and dependability. • Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions. • Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts. • Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees. • Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions: While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be req

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