Job Description

At the Hawthorne Gardening Company (HGC) we want our people to empower more people to garden no matter where and how they choose to grow. We accomplish this by encouraging people to live happier, healthier lives through gardening. If you also feel this way then you’d fit in great with us!

We are looking for an R&D Engineer who will join our Hawthorne team in Vancouver, WA.

The R&D Engineer will lead the technical advancement of the Hawthorne HVAC category and partner with the Category Manager to plan and execute a product innovation pipeline that supports the business’s strategic goals. Hawthorne’s HVAC products are designed for use in indoor Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and include heating, cooling, humidification/ dehumidification, odor mitigation, and air circulation.  A significant part of this role entails developing and validating the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models that will allow the technical services team to provide HVAC plans to customers that are specific to Hawthorne’s products. The role will also support other product categories providing mechanical engineering input for internally-manufactured as well as vendor-produced products such as: benches, vertical rack growing systems, other growing hardware, irrigation, water filters, carbon filters, and lighting.   

What you’ll do in this role:

• Lead all technical advancements in the HVAC category to drive product development and process improvements such as concept, specification, product validation, and design to meet specified cost and performance parameters
• Support other product categories’ mechanical engineering needs
• Manage vendor relationships with domestic and international suppliers while also holding them accountable to product requirements and quality specifications
• Seek out innovations above and beyond the supplier capabilities
• Conceive, plan, and conduct research in problem areas or areas of opportunity for the business
• Keep abreast of new technologies for the purpose of recommending changes in existing programs or new programs warranted by such developments
• Partner closely with other Category Managers to ensure they are armed with ample technical knowledge on the categories they support
• Participate in the initial production phases of product/process design and all subsequent manufacturing inquiries and problems
• Travel up to 15% of the time, sometimes internationally

What you’ll need to be successful:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or related degree, focus in thermal dynamics preferred
• 2-5 years experience in product development, preferably in hydro, CEA, or horticulture industry
• Experience in thermal dynamics preferred
• CFD experience, especially in Solidworks Flow Simulation or FloWorks, preferred

It’d be great if you also have:

• Programming capabilities with a mathematical programming language, such as Matlab
• Ability to interact with and contribute to cross-functional teams
• Ability to handle multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
• Drive to deliver products on time with attention to quality
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent quantitative skills

What we do for you (just to list a few cool ones):

• Offer extremely competitive benefits including: Health, Dental and Vision coverage.
• Unbelievable 401K match (up to 7.5%) and discounted stock purchasing program (15% discount).
• Our commitment to diversity and inclusion includes four employee resource groups: Scotts Women’s Network, Scotts Black Employee Network, Scotts Veterans Network and Scotts Young Professionals.
• Generous holiday and vacation days.

Not interested in this role? Check out our other career opportunities and learn more about what it’s like to work at Hawthorne Gardening Company by accessing our Talent Network: HGC Talent Network

The Hawthorne Gardening Company is a start-up company focused on hydroponic gardening. Dedicated to creating high quality products founded in social and environmental responsibility. Backed by the largest lawn and garden company in the U.S. (Scotts Miracle-Gro, NYSE: SMG) we bring new ideas, values, and culture to our endeavors without the constraints of a large corporation. We are an energetic, progressive-minded, sustainability-focused group of highly-motivated individuals, eager to share our love of gardening with the world.

The brands and products within our portfolio include: Sunlight Supply, General Hydroponics, General Organics, Vermicrop, Botanicare, AeroGarden, CanFilters and Gavita Lighting.

Hawthorne Gardening Company is an EEO Employer, dedicated to a culturally diverse, drug free workplace.

EEO/AA Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Notification to Agencies:

Please note that the Hawthorne Gardening Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement, and specific approval to submit resumes to an approved requisition, the Hawthorne Gardening Company will not consider or approve payment regarding recruiter fees or referral compensations.