Sr. R&D Product Development Designer

ABOUT US:

Munters is a global leader in climate solutions for mission-critical processes. We offer innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions for customers where humidity, temperature, energy efficiency, and uptime are mission-critical. Sustainability is an important part of Munters' business strategy and value creation.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Munters R&D group develops new products for the Data Center Cooling market. The Sr. R&D Designer develops, maintains, and releases mechanical design packages for new product development, prototypes, lab testing, product improvements, and production implementation.

This role provides senior-level CAD design, drawing, BOM, and engineering documentation support while working with R&D Engineering, Project Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, vendors, and laboratory teams. The role requires strong ownership of design details, manufacturability, configuration control, and release readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Senior Mechanical Design & CAD Development

• Develop and maintain complex 3D models and 2D drawings for data center cooling products.
• Support hydronic piping, sheet metal, structural parts, brackets, coil/fan interfaces, CDUs, chillers, evaporators, and condensers.
• Create and release manufacturing drawings with proper dimensions, tolerances, notes, materials, finishes, weld requirements, and inspection details.
• Perform layout studies, clearance checks, interference reviews, serviceability checks, and manufacturability reviews before drawing release.
• Support design standardization, cost reduction, supplier changes, and product improvements through the ECR/ECO process.

BOM, PDM & Configuration Control

• Create, update, and maintain engineering BOMs, part numbers, assembly structures, and drawing packages in the applicable PDM/ERP systems.
• Ensure design documentation is complete, accurate, revision-controlled, and aligned with the released product configuration.
• Coordinate drawing and BOM updates with Engineering, Project Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and suppliers.
• Review vendor drawings, 3D models, datasheets, and component interfaces for fit, form, function, and manufacturability.

Prototype, Lab & Product Development Support

• Support prototype builds, lab test units, design validation activities, and engineering change implementation.
• Collaborate with VA and TX lab teams on fit checks, component layouts, piping arrangements, instrumentation mounting, and test apparatus.
• Assist with field issues, C2/warranty topics, nonconformance reviews, and corrective actions when design documentation is involved.
• Provide practical design input to improve assembly, serviceability, reliability, manufacturability, and quality.

Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as a senior design resource for assigned programs, helping define drawing scope, priorities, timing, and release deliverables.
• Mentor designers, drafters, and technical support personnel in CAD standards, drawing quality, and configuration discipline.
• Participate in design reviews, ECO reviews, supplier discussions, lab build reviews, and manufacturing readiness meetings.
• Communicate risks, open items, schedule impacts, and required decisions to engineers, project leaders, and managers.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks 3D CAD software, including large assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, and 2D detailing.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical drawing standards, tolerancing, GD&T principles, materials, finishes, manufacturing processes, and assembly requirements.
• Working knowledge of HVAC, hydronic systems, data center cooling equipment, piping, valves, pumps, coils, fans, and heat exchangers.
• Experience with PDM/PLM/ERP systems, BOM management, part number creation, drawing release, and ECO/ECR workflows.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements, project specifications, vendor data, and manufacturing feedback.
• Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, ownership mindset, and ability to identify design risks before release.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across engineering, manufacturing, quality, lab, supplier, and management teams.

DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 7+ years of relevant mechanical design / CAD experience in HVAC, industrial equipment, data center cooling, refrigeration, hydronic systems, sheet metal, or piping.
• Demonstrated experience creating production-ready drawings, complex assemblies, BOMs, and released engineering documentation.
• Experience supporting new product development, prototype builds, lab testing, product sustaining, or manufacturing implementation.
• Experience with design for manufacturability, design for assembly, supplier coordination, and engineering change control.
• Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 / GD&T, weld symbols, sheet metal fabrication, pipe fabrication, and industrial assembly processes preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
• This work requires sitting most of the time, with periodic walking, standing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Close visual acuity is required for CAD work, drawing review, data analysis, computer work, measurement review, and inspection of small details.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• 401K
• PTO
• Referral bonuses

Equal Opportunity Employer: Munters is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.