Product Innovation Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, WaterFurnace designs and manufactures ultra-efficient, renewable-energy comfort products that provide heating, cooling and potable hot water solutions for use in both homes and commercial buildings. We employ more than 360 people in R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales roles across the US and Canada. For almost four decades, our Geothermal Heat Pumps, Water Source Heat Pumps, and Heat Recovery Chillers have been reducing energy usage consumption and increasing comfort in buildings around the world.

Our Purpose
To transform the way we use energy, protect resources for future generations, and give people the freedom to focus on life.

Position Summary

Reporting to the VP of Commercial Sales, the Commercial HVAC Product Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, development, launch, and lifecycle management of WaterFurnace's commercial geothermal and hydronic HVAC product portfolio. This role serves as the primary link between engineering, sales, marketing, manufacturing, independent manufacturers' representatives, and customers to ensure products meet market needs, achieve revenue and profitability objectives, and strengthen WaterFurnace's leadership position in the commercial HVAC industry. The Product Manager develops product roadmaps, identifies market opportunities, drives product innovation, and supports sales growth through effective product positioning, training, and competitive differentiation.

Product Strategy & Portfolio Management
Develop and execute short-term and long-term product strategies for commercial geothermal heat pumps, hydronic systems, controls, and related technologies.

• Manage the complete product lifecycle from concept through end-of-life.
• Analyze market trends, customer requirements, competitive offerings, and emerging technologies.
• Identify new product opportunities that align with WaterFurnace's strategic growth objectives.
• Develop business cases, revenue forecasts, and profitability analyses for new product initiatives.
• Establish and maintain product roadmaps.

Market & Customer Intelligence

• Conduct voice-of-customer research with consulting engineers, contractors, building owners, distributors, and manufacturer representatives.
• Gather and analyze competitive intelligence regarding features, performance, pricing, and market positioning.
• Monitor industry trends including geothermal adoption, decarbonization initiatives, electrification, energy efficiency regulations, and sustainability requirements.
• Participate in industry organizations and trade associations to stay informed of market developments.

Product Development

• Collaborate with engineering teams to define product requirements and specifications.
• Lead cross-functional product development teams through stage-gate processes.
• Prioritize product enhancements and new feature development.
• Ensure products meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and profitability goals.
• Support product testing, validation, and field evaluations.

Sales & Marketing Support

• Develop product positioning, value propositions, and go-to-market strategies.
• Create product launch plans and sales enablement tools.
• Conduct product training for sales teams, manufacturer representatives, engineers, and contractors.
• Support key customer presentations and strategic sales opportunities.
• Assist in the development of technical literature, application guides, and marketing content.

Financial Management

• Manage product line revenue, margin, and profitability objectives.
• Analyze pricing strategies and market competitiveness.
• Develop annual product forecasts and business plans.
• Monitor product performance metrics and recommend corrective actions when necessary.

Industry & Customer Engagement

• Represent WaterFurnace at trade shows, conferences, and customer events.
• Build relationships with consulting engineers, design-build firms, facility owners, and industry influencers.
• Support specification development and Basis of Design (BOD) initiatives.
• Collaborate with regional sales managers and manufacturers' representatives to identify growth opportunities.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Business, Marketing, HVAC Engineering Technology, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
  

Experience

• 5-10+ years of experience in commercial HVAC, geothermal, hydronics, or building systems.
• Experience in product management, product development, engineering, technical sales, or commercial HVAC applications.
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC system design and operation.
• Experience working with consulting engineers and manufacturer representative networks preferred.

Travel Requirements - 25 - 40%