PRODUCT DESIGNER - REFRIGERATION

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Refrigeration

Company: Tecumseh Products Company

Location: Verona, Mississippi, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Design / Research & Development

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: Junior or Mid-Level (0-2 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop 3D models, technical drawings, and comprehensive documentation for refrigeration systems and components.

• Support the engineering team in the creation of technical solutions, design changes, and improvements for new and existing products.

• Ensure the standardization, traceability, and organization of all product technical information within PLM/PDM systems.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and suppliers to address technical inquiries and facilitate product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned under Engineering/R&D with a specific focus on refrigeration systems, indicating a strong need for technical design skills within a specialized industry. The "Junior or Mid-Level" designation, coupled with the implied 0-2 years of experience, suggests an entry to early-career opportunity. The emphasis on 3D CAD, technical documentation, and a willingness to learn refrigeration concepts points towards a foundational role with significant growth potential.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and update 3D models of products, components, and mechanical subassemblies with precision and adherence to design standards.

• Prepare and meticulously review technical drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, and other critical engineering documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Contribute to the development of components and assemblies for condensing units, sealed systems, and broader refrigeration solutions, ensuring functional requirements are met.

• Provide essential support to senior engineers and designers in conceptualizing and implementing technical solutions for product innovation and enhancement.

• Execute design changes effectively, responding to evolving needs from engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain, and customer feedback.

• Maintain high standards for the standardization, traceability, and organization of all product technical information, utilizing product lifecycle management (PLM) or product data management (PDM) systems.

• Actively manage and support the creation and maintenance of product structures, component codes, revision control, and all associated technical documentation.

• Participate proactively in technical analyses, design reviews, and collaborative discussions with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and identify potential issues early.

• Offer dedicated support to purchasing and supplier teams, addressing technical queries, facilitating component replacements, and exploring alternative solutions to maintain project timelines.

• Assist in crucial prototyping, assembly processes, and engineering validation testing activities to verify design integrity and performance.

• Progressively acquire and apply core refrigeration concepts, component selection criteria, and fundamental system sizing principles under guidance.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within engineering processes, documentation workflows, and project standardization efforts to enhance overall efficiency.

• Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills in managing task follow-ups, adhering to deadlines, and ensuring timely delivery of technical outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core design tasks (3D modeling, technical drawings) and supporting roles (assisting senior engineers, cross-functional support, documentation management). The explicit mention of PLM/PDM systems suggests that familiarity with these tools will be advantageous. The progressive learning of refrigeration concepts indicates a role that values development and mentorship.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Desired: Technical degree, technologist degree, or undergraduate degree (in progress or completed) in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Technology, Mechanical Design, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, or related fields.

Experience:

• Junior Level: Academic, technical, or professional experience with 3D modeling; knowledge of mechanical technical drawing; basic understanding of tolerances, assembly, detailing, and product structure; demonstrated interest in refrigeration products and component development.

• Mid-Level: Practical experience in the development of products, components, or mechanical assemblies; autonomous ability to create 3D models and technical drawings; experience with design reviews, engineering changes, and technical documentation management; experience with product structures, BOMs, and revision control; ability to interact effectively with engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and suppliers.

Required Skills:

• Solid knowledge and practical application of 3D CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Creo, Inventor, Catia, or equivalent).

• Proficiency in modeling parts, assemblies, and mechanical subassemblies.

• Ability to prepare clear, complete, and manufacturable technical drawings.

• Strong capability in reading and interpreting technical drawings, including GD&T (implied).

• Foundational understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly techniques, and material properties.

• Excellent organizational skills for managing technical documentation and revision control workflows.

• Effective communication skills for seamless interaction with internal engineering and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience with Siemens NX, particularly in part modeling, assemblies, and technical drawing creation.

• In-depth knowledge of best practices in parametric modeling for robust and scalable designs.

• Proven experience with the standardization of design libraries, templates, revisions, and comprehensive documentation management.

• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems (e.g., SAP, Teamcenter, Windchill, Oracle Agile, or equivalent).

• Basic understanding of quality methodologies such as APQP, DFMEA, or PPAP.

• Experience with engineering tests, prototyping, and product validation processes.

• Technical English proficiency for understanding standards, catalogs, drawings, and basic technical communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on practical skills over formal education for this role is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their CAD proficiency and documentation management capabilities. The distinction between Junior and Mid-Level requirements provides a clear pathway for candidates to self-assess their fit.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of 3D CAD models demonstrating proficiency in part modeling, complex assemblies, and detailed mechanical subassemblies.

• Include examples of technical drawings that clearly communicate design intent, specifications, tolerances, and manufacturing information.

• Present examples of product structures and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to illustrate organizational skills and understanding of component hierarchy.

• Demonstrate experience with design changes, detailing the process from request to implementation and documentation update.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of creating or contributing to process documentation for design workflows, from initial concept to final release.

• Showcase examples of how design processes were documented to ensure clarity, consistency, and traceability for engineering teams.

• Illustrate any contributions to the improvement or standardization of engineering documentation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, a strong portfolio is crucial. Candidates should prepare to present projects that clearly articulate their CAD skills, understanding of technical documentation, and organizational capabilities. The inclusion of examples showing how they managed design changes and documentation is highly recommended.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For a Junior to Mid-Level Product Designer in Verona, Mississippi, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $55,000 and $75,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for engineering roles with 0-2 years of experience in the US, considering the cost of living in Mississippi and the specific technical skill set required. A Mid-Level candidate with demonstrated experience and a strong portfolio may command a salary at the higher end of this spectrum.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Providing robust coverage for employees and their families.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Including a 401(k) with potential company match to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Offering a generous package for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Including training, workshops, and potential tuition reimbursement for continued learning in engineering and refrigeration technologies.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Providing confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. While the role is on-site, Tecumseh Products Company may offer some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and operational needs, allowing for effective management of design tasks and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location in Verona, Mississippi, and the Junior/Mid-Level experience requirement, a salary range of $55,000-$75,000 is a reasonable estimate. Benefits are standard for a full-time engineering role in the US manufacturing sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Refrigeration Components & Systems)

Tecumseh Products Company operates within the global manufacturing sector, specializing in refrigeration and air conditioning compressors and condensing units. This industry demands precision, reliability, and continuous innovation in thermal management and mechanical design. Professionals in this field often engage with complex engineering challenges, rigorous quality standards, and diverse global markets.

Company Size: Tecumseh Products Company is a medium to large enterprise, employing a significant number of individuals across its operations. This size typically allows for structured career paths and dedicated departmental teams, while still fostering a sense of community and direct impact for individual contributors.

Founded: Founded in 1934, Tecumseh Products Company has a long-standing history and extensive experience in the refrigeration industry, building a legacy of innovation and product development. This deep historical context suggests a company culture that values experience, technical expertise, and enduring product quality.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the Research and Development (R&D) Engineering team, likely consisting of multiple designers, engineers, and specialists focused on product innovation and technical problem-solving.

• The team structure is expected to be hierarchical, with designers reporting to senior engineers or engineering managers who oversee project execution and technical direction.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are integral to the design process, involving the review of performance data, test results, and customer feedback to inform design decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are applied to manage the design process efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of models, drawings, and documentation.

• Automation and efficiency practices may be explored to streamline repetitive design tasks and improve the overall productivity of the engineering team.

Company Website: https://careers.tecumseh.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history in refrigeration implies a strong technical foundation and a culture that values deep expertise. The R&D team structure suggests opportunities for mentorship and learning from experienced professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a foundational engineering position, suitable for individuals starting their careers or those with a few years of experience looking to specialize. It offers a clear path for growth into more senior Product Designer roles, or potentially into specialized engineering disciplines within refrigeration, such as thermal engineering, testing, or systems design.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Product Designer, Lead Engineer, or Engineering Manager within the R&D department. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight, crucial for skill development in a technical field.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences the quality, performance, and manufacturability of Tecumseh's refrigeration products. By creating accurate designs and documentation, they ensure that products meet specifications, can be reliably manufactured, and satisfy customer needs, thereby contributing to the company's market competitiveness and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific areas of refrigeration design, such as compressor mechanics, heat exchanger design, or system integration, potentially leading to roles like Senior Design Engineer or Specialist Engineer.

• Skill Development: Gain advanced proficiency in CAD software, engineering simulation tools, and learn core refrigeration principles, including thermal sizing, component selection, and system performance analysis.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Product Designer role, mentoring junior team members, leading design aspects of projects, and taking on more complex design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly designed for growth, with a focus on developing technical skills within the refrigeration sector. The progression path from Junior to Mid-Level and beyond is clearly implied, offering a tangible career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring the Product Designer to work from Tecumseh Products Company's Verona, Mississippi facility. This environment is typical for manufacturing and engineering firms, emphasizing in-person collaboration and access to company resources.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 5424 MS-145, Verona, Mississippi 38879, United States. This location is within a region that supports industrial and manufacturing operations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative engineering office environment, equipped with standard office amenities and access to necessary computing resources.

• The team likely utilizes specific CAD workstations and may have access to shared engineering software and potentially physical product prototypes or testing areas for reference.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with fellow designers, engineers, manufacturing personnel, and potentially lab technicians will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and hands-on work setting.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While an on-site role, the company may offer some flexibility in daily work hours, allowing for personal needs while ensuring coverage and project continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is key. This suggests a traditional manufacturing/engineering work environment where direct collaboration and access to physical resources are prioritized.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational CAD skills, technical drawing comprehension, and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a discussion of your CAD software proficiency, practical design experience, and problem-solving approach. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: A practical assessment may be administered, requiring you to demonstrate CAD skills, interpret technical requirements, or solve a basic design problem within a time limit.

• Cross-Functional/Manager Interview: An opportunity to discuss your behavioral competencies, teamwork skills, understanding of manufacturing processes, and your interest in refrigeration. This may also involve senior members of the R&D team.

• Final Interview: A discussion with hiring management to confirm fit and discuss the role's specifics and growth potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your 3D modeling, technical drawing, and documentation organization skills. Prioritize projects that showcase mechanical assemblies or product components.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly explain the problem statement, your design approach, the tools used, key challenges, and the final outcome. Use visual aids effectively.

• Highlight Technical Drawings: Ensure your technical drawings are clear, well-dimensioned, and demonstrate an understanding of manufacturing intent and tolerances.

• Showcase Organization: Provide examples of how you managed product structures, BOMs, and revisions to demonstrate your organizational capabilities.

• Explain Your Role: Be precise about your individual contributions, especially in team-based projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAD Proficiency: Practice common CAD operations, including part modeling, assembly creation, and generating detailed drawings. Be ready to work within a specified software if one is provided.

• Technical Interpretation: Review basic engineering drawings and specifications to quickly grasp technical requirements.

• Problem-Solving: Think through how you would approach a simple mechanical design task, considering constraints, materials, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Communication: Prepare to articulate your thought process clearly and concisely, even under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing their technical design output and their ability to document it professionally. A practical design exercise is highly probable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: Proficiency in at least one major CAD package is mandatory.

  • Required: NX, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Creo, Inventor, Catia, or equivalent.
  • Preferred: Siemens NX (for part modeling, assemblies, technical drawings).

• Technical Drawing Software: Integrated within the primary CAD tools, used for creating detailed manufacturing drawings.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Product Data Management (PDM) / Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Essential for managing design data, revisions, and documentation.

  • Desired: SAP, Teamcenter, Windchill, Oracle Agile, or equivalent systems.

• Engineering Change Management Systems: Integral to the process of implementing design modifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong CAD skills are the core technical requirement. Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems is a significant advantage, indicating the need for organized data management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to precision in 3D modeling, accuracy in technical drawings, and thoroughness in documentation.

• Continuous Learning: An openness to acquire new technical knowledge, particularly in refrigeration systems, and to evolve through feedback and guidance.

• Organization and Discipline: A structured approach to managing tasks, deadlines, and technical deliverables, ensuring traceability and order in all work.

• Collaboration and Communication: Valuing effective interaction with internal teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing) and external partners (suppliers) to achieve shared goals.

• Proactivity and Problem-Solving: An initiative to seek information, identify potential issues, and contribute to finding practical technical solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with various departments, necessitating clear communication and a team-oriented approach to integrate design efforts with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain needs.

• Process Improvement Culture: Encouraging feedback and contributions to enhance engineering processes, documentation standards, and overall project efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share design insights and learn from colleagues, fostering a collective growth environment within the R&D team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural fit emphasizes a blend of technical rigor, a proactive learning attitude, and strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration within a manufacturing engineering context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Mastering Refrigeration Specifics: The primary challenge will be developing a deep understanding of refrigeration system principles, component functions, and thermal dynamics to inform design decisions effectively.

• Balancing Design Precision with Manufacturing Constraints: Learning to create designs that are not only technically sound but also manufacturable, cost-effective, and compliant with production capabilities.

• Managing Documentation Complexity: Ensuring that all technical documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and adheres to company standards, especially as product lines evolve.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in CAD software, manufacturing techniques, and refrigeration technologies to maintain design relevance and efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal and external training programs focusing on advanced CAD techniques, refrigeration principles, and product development methodologies.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance and knowledge transfer from experienced senior engineers and designers within the R&D team.

• Project Exposure: Involvement in diverse projects, from component redesigns to new product development, offering practical application of learned skills and exposure to various engineering challenges.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences or workshops related to refrigeration and mechanical design to stay current with trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a clear opportunity to grow within a specialized engineering field, overcoming the initial learning curve of refrigeration technology through dedicated development and mentorship.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical assembly you designed in CAD. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure its functionality and manufacturability?" (Focus on process, challenges, and technical details.)

• "How do you approach creating technical drawings that clearly convey design intent and specifications to a manufacturing team?" (Highlight attention to detail, understanding of manufacturing, and clarity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the refrigeration industry and specifically about designing products for Tecumseh?" (Show genuine curiosity and research into the company and its products.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with manufacturing engineers or quality assurance teams on a product design project?" (Emphasize communication, teamwork, and understanding of cross-functional needs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Walkthrough: For each selected project, start with the objective, present your design solution (models, drawings), explain your rationale, detail any challenges, and conclude with the outcome or lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention any improvements in performance, cost reduction, or efficiency achieved through your design work.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your portfolio pieces demonstrate your proficiency in 3D CAD, technical drawing, and documentation organization.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, tolerance stack-ups, material selection, and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical CAD skills, a methodical design process, and a proactive attitude towards learning and collaboration, especially concerning refrigeration technology.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Tecumseh Products Company careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant CAD experience, technical drawing skills, engineering projects, and any experience with PDM/PLM systems or quality methodologies. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 3-5 strong projects that showcase your 3D modeling, technical drawing, and documentation organization skills. Be ready to present them clearly and discuss your process.

• Research Tecumseh Products Company: Understand their products, market position, and any recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

• Practice interview questions: Prepare responses for technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on your design process, problem-solving abilities, and eagerness to learn refrigeration engineering.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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