Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

What We're Looking For:

The Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

will lead the mechanical design, engineering execution, and technical alignment of custom and standard equipment, working closely with North American stakeholders and Smardt’s parent company, TICA.

This role combines hands-on product design, cross-functional engineering leadership, and global collaboration, with a clear path to building and leading a regional design engineering team. The successful candidate will act as the technical bridge between North America and TICA engineering/manufacturing teams, ensuring designs are optimized for performance, manufacturability, cost, and compliance with regional standards.

What You'll Do:

Product Design and Engineering Leadership

- Lead the mechanical design and manufacturing of HVAC products for the North American market.

- Translate customer requirements, project specifications, and sales concepts into robust, manufacturable engineering designs.

- Own airflow, thermal performance, and mechanical system design, ensuring alignment with project and product performance targets

- Develop and maintain design standards, best practices, and modular product architectures to enable scalability and repeatability.

Global Collaboration & Technical Alignment

- Act as the primary technical interface with TICA engineering teams in China, ensuring alignment on design intent, capabilities, and manufacturing constraints.

- Coordinate across time zones and cultures to drive efficient design reviews, issue resolution, and product localization.

- Support technology transfer and product adaptation between global platforms and North American requirements.

- Navigate and reconcile differences in engineering approaches, standards, and expectations between regions.

Engineering Execution & Project Delivery

- Lead technical review of project specifications, consultant drawings, and customer requirements.

- Identify risks, gaps, and compliance issues early in the project lifecycle.

- Ensure timely and accurate release of engineering documentation, BOMs, and production packages.

- Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure designs are buildable, cost-effective, and aligned with production capabilities.

Compliance & Standards

- Ensure designs comply with AHRI, ASHRAE, UL/ETL, ASTM, seismic, wind load, and regional energy efficiency standards.

- Define and support certification strategies and regulatory compliance for North American markets.

- Stay current on evolving HVAC regulations and integrate them into product design proactively.

Continuous Improvement & Product Strategy

- Drive design optimization, cost reduction, and standardization initiatives.

- Contribute to the long-term product roadmap for SmardtAir AHUs in North America.

- Implement structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D) to resolve design and production issues.

What You'll Bring:

Experience:

- 10+ years of mechanical design engineering experience Experience working with global engineering/manufacturing teams strongly preferred

- Prior leadership or mentoring experience is an asset (formal or informal)

- 5+ years in HVAC systems, preferably AHUs or refrigeration

Education/Certifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

- P.Eng (or eligibility) preferred

Technical Skills:

- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD tools (Autodesk Inventor preferred; SolidWorks experience an asset) Deep understanding of: Airflow and thermal analysis Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and modular product design

- BOM development and product configuration

- HVAC system design and component selection

- Experience with PLM/PDM systems (e.g., Autodesk Vault) and ERP systems (e.g., Business Central)

Core Competencies:

- Strong cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills High level of ownership, accountability, and initiative Ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences

- Problem-solving mindset with a focus on practical, scalable solutions

- Ability to operate effectively in a startup or build-phase environment

- Ability to travel cross-border (less than 25% time)

What We Offer:

- Competitive compensation.

- Health and Dental Benefits from day one.

- 401K matching program.

- A collaborative global environment with opportunities for growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Smardt is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

As part of our hiring process, Smardt conducts background checks in compliance with applicable laws.

Please note that Smardt does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Services Agreement with agency/recruiter, we will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee.