Strategic Innovation Engineer

About the Role

Key duties include supporting engineering projects that create new equipment and components, generating proposals for product development and research, maintaining a technology roadmap, and identifying acquisition targets for complementary technologies. The engineer will design mechanical, electrical, structural, and control systems for prototypes, evaluate high‑complexity product opportunities, engage with customers to define concepts, and lead cross‑functional design reviews for both R&D and sales initiatives. • Support engineering projects to develop new equipment and components using emerging technologies • Generate proposals outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes • Develop and maintain a technology roadmap for application exploration and validation • Identify acquisition targets for complementary technology and intellectual property • Design mechanical, electrical, structural, and control systems for prototype equipment • Evaluate high‑complexity product opportunities and produce feasibility, profitability, and risk reports • Engage customers to define concepts and create engineered solutions for complex sales • Lead cross‑functional design reviews for R&D and sales projects • Create testing plans, scripts, and apparatuses for research and development initiatives • Assist R&D technicians with prototype testing and data collection • Compile and analyze test data, generating reports to validate functionality and guide improvements • Author technical white papers to support adoption of new technologies • Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., AHRI, UL, ASHRAE) • Develop and author new engineering standards and practices within the systems group • Mentor and guide Solutions and Products engineering teams on technical tasks • Maintain accurate documentation, including BOMs, drawings, and technical reports • Prepare proposals and reports on R&D capital and operating expenses (CAPEX/OPEX)

Key Responsibilities

• ▸prototype design
• ▸tech roadmap
• ▸feasibility analysis
• ▸testing plans
• ▸data analysis
• ▸design reviews

What You Bring

The Strategic Innovation Engineer at BASX is a senior‑level position within the Strategic Development & Testing Group, responsible for researching, designing, developing, and implementing emerging technologies to solve complex engineering challenges and support new product and system development. The role requires a strong mechanical or electrical engineering foundation and a proactive approach to design and manufacturing problems, as well as the ability to mentor engineering teams. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering is required, with a master’s degree preferred, and at least seven years of product engineering experience—ideally in data‑center cooling, HVAC, or related fields. Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo), strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and experience with PLM and ERP systems are essential, along with excellent problem‑solving, project‑management, and communication skills. The role demands effective written and verbal communication, strong interpersonal relationships, sound decision‑making, and the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment while working collaboratively in teams. Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 lb and spending up to 95 % of work time sitting or standing, with periodic visits to manufacturing sites that may involve hot or cold temperatures, dust, and chemical fumes. • Possess 7+ years of product engineering experience, preferably in data‑center cooling or HVAC • Proficient in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo) and engineering analysis tools • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat‑transfer principles • Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and ERP integration • Demonstrated problem‑solving, project‑management, and communication abilities

Requirements

• ▸7+ years
• ▸3d cad
• ▸thermodynamics
• ▸plm
• ▸erp
• ▸bachelor's

Benefits

AAON offers a competitive salary range of $147,258‑$220,887, along with tuition reimbursement, paid time off, holidays, health insurance, HSAs, profit‑sharing or annual incentive bonuses, and a premium 401(k) plan. Since 1988, the company has led the HVAC industry with innovative, sustainable solutions for commercial and industrial indoor environments, striving to create a cleaner, more sustainable future. • Offer tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid holidays, health insurance, HSA, profit sharing, annual incentive bonus, and a premium 401(k) plan

Work Environment

Office Full-Time