Rotational Engineering Program Associate - 2026 at Rheem · Fort Smith

• Rheem will provide a supportive environment for the rotational engineers to ensure each employee gains valuable experience to help build a long-term career path. Employees will have the opportunity to challenge themselves with each rotation and receive a different view of the business initiatives. Here’s what to expect:
• Operations:
  • Learn manufacturing processes in depth and how they are all related. 
  • Learn the cause-and-effect relationship with manufacturing and other functions of the business to drive success in future positions.
  • Gain knowledge of the Rheem Production System (RPS), which is based upon the philosophies of the Toyota Production System.
  • Ability to design operator workstations that maximize efficiency.
  • Work one-on-one with other engineers designing new processes and improving existing processes.
• Product/R&D Engineering
  • Gain an intimate knowledge of HVAC&R products, principles and science.
  • Ability to directly apply knowledge gained during undergraduate school: basics of design, noise and vibration, fluid flow, thermodynamics, heat transfer, controls, electric circuits, and machines, etc.
  • Gain experience and knowledge with product development from generation through design and development, testing and final product release to production and post release product technical support.
  • Understand the fundamentals of being a well-rounded engineer by learning essential aspects of the Engineering function including design, drawing, documentation, experimentation, creating bill of materials, releasing drawings, ensuring manufacturability, engaging suppliers of key components and integrating purchased parts into the design, ensuring quality is built into all stages of development, ensuring all regulatory and certification agency requirements, and working with all other business functions including Sourcing, Manufacturing, Tooling, Quality Assurance, Product Management, Sales and Service.
  • Hands-on laboratory experience by working with experienced technicians in building prototypes in the model shop, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and integrating them into product design.
• Quality Assurance
  • Planning, Quality Control, and Quality Improvement
  • Learn the 8D problem solving and validation methodology.
  • Co – Lead a significant Quality Improvement Project with Quality or R&D Engineer
  • Lead a significant Quality Improvement Project (problem or initiative)
  • Complete training on the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) in Reliance and learn to review PPAPs effectively.
  • Develop/Improve a key process in Quality (Business Process / Operations)
• Product/R&D Test Engineering
  • Conduct comprehensive project research to aid in the development of advanced airflow testing methodologies, encompassing testing automation, CFD analysis for airflow, physical testing, and optimization testing.
  • Acquire an understanding of the fundamental functions of testing equipment and processes essential for the manufacture of HVAC/R equipment and system components.
  • Conduct experiments and analyze the results, actively contributing to the iterative development process. Collaborate with Project engineers in integrating experimental findings into product design, enhancing product performance and quality. 
  • Learn and assist in optimizing airflow across all products. Understand the technical processes for collecting airflow data. Work with Vendors to automate airflow testing systems from operations to coefficient production. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, obtained by May 2026. It is highly preferred that candidate has obtained Bachelor’s degree within the past two years. 
• 3.0 GPA or higher (out of 4.0 scale)
• Must have US citizenship or permanent residency with authorization to work. 

HOW TO STAND OUT:

• Recently obtained Master’s degree in Engineering. It is highly preferred that candidate has obtained Master’s degree within past two years. 
• Working experience in engineering space (i.e. internship or other) of product design/manufacturing environment
• Experience with HVACR products

As a leader at Rheem, how you achieve results is as important as the results you achieve. While LEADING SELF, you will be expected to demonstrate the following competencies and behaviors:

• Adapting
• Business Understanding
• Collaborating
• Communicating Effectively
• Continuously Improving
• Customer-Orientation
• Developing Self
• Focusing on Results
• Influencing
• Managing Relationships
• Managing Work
• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements.

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