Lead Product Design Engineer

Trane Technologies is hiring a Lead Product Design Engineer for its Commercial Systems organization in La Crosse, WI (onsite). In this role, you will lead product design development for HVAC refrigeration systems supporting water-to-water HVAC product lines that cover both heating and cooling. You will work alongside cross-functional engineering partners to deliver stage gate development outputs focused on performance, compliance, quality, reliability, and cost.

Role scope

• Lead the development of HVAC refrigeration systems to meet performance, regulatory, quality, and cost requirements.
• Evaluate the technical feasibility of product and internal requirements, then drive design and component selection while developing clear engineering specifications.
• Establish the technical strategy for compliance and serve as a subject matter expert on regulatory codes, including ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, UL, CRN, and Seismic certifications (IBC/OSHPD).
• Create, review, and maintain the engineering documentation package, including technical reports, lab test results, drawings, and specifications, ensuring design intent and timely completion to the satisfaction of internal customers.
• Lead component- and system-level Design Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (DFMEA) and execute resulting risk mitigation plans to close knowledge gaps, structural and thermal risks, and laboratory failures (including FRACAS/8D) to prevent quality escapes.
• Document, understand, and prioritize customer requirements for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as the primary engineering subject matter expert to resolve advanced design challenges, evaluate product fit for different applications, and provide critical technical guidance to global technology centers.

Collaboration and execution

• Lead and coordinate engineering work packages across cross-functional teams to meet system performance, long-term reliability, product cost, and development schedule milestones.
• Influence component- and system-level reference design strategy and execution in close partnership with functional engineering and project teams.
• Evaluate complex, special, and advanced engineering problems independently with minimal supervision, serving as a subject matter expert on improving existing systems and processes.
• Provide technical support and guidance to laboratory technicians, manufacturing engineering, suppliers, technical service, and operations.
• Mentor junior engineers by offering technical guidance, encouraging professional development, and fostering sound engineering judgment.

Travel: overnight travel is less than 5%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 8+ years of engineering or product design experience.
• Master’s Degree in Engineering is a plus.
• A Professional Engineering license may be beneficial but is not essential.
• Detailed understanding of HVAC system functions including refrigeration, heat transfer, airflow, and ventilation.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC products, components, and systems, with a strength in chilled and hot water heating systems.
• Preferred: background in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Preferred: experience with UL, CRN, Seismic (IBC/OSHPD), and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC).
• Preferred: CAD knowledge, FEA, structural analysis, and related evaluation methods.
• Good understanding of the application of computer simulation tools and theory to HVAC system design.
• Excellent technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, along with strong verbal and written communication across the organization.

Technologies you’ll work with

• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC)
• UL
• CRN
• Seismic certifications (IBC/OSHPD)
• Design Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (DFMEA)
• FRACAS and 8D
• GD&T
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• FEA

Compensation and schedule

• Location: La Crosse, WI (onsite)
• Base salary range: USD 123,721 - 173,004 per yearly (listed as $123,721.66 - $173,004.99)
• Compensation type: Salary
• Incentive eligible: Yes
• Sales commission eligible: No
• Work hours: Monday to Thursday onsite; Fridays allow you to choose your work location based on what the role requires

Benefits

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs with generous incentives.
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• Paid time off includes up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• 401K match
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs, including tuition assistance and student debt support.

Safety and hiring notes

• Safety sensitive role: No

Disclaimer: Trane Technologies aims to provide competitive compensation for this position based on factors such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. The compensation range is generally based on the national average, and benefits may vary by region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.