Principal Central Utility Plant Modeling Engineer

Johnson Controls; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Remote; USD 116,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls seeks a Principal Central Utility Plant Modeling Engineer to develop and validate detailed models for energy optimization of central utility plants. You will drive data-driven analyses, calibrate simulations, and support commissioning to ensure OB CUP delivers savings and performance improvements.

With 10+ years of experience, you will communicate complex results to both technical and non-technical audiences and mentor teams across engineering, software, and product groups.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years modeling energy/HVAC/central utility plants.
• Experience with M&V analyses (IPMVP).
• 5+ years HVAC design engineering or energy-savings projects.
• Knowledge of central utility plant systems and loads.
• Strong communication of technical concepts to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate, and validate energy and central plant models.
• Estimate energy savings from OB CUP and energy measures.
• Lead commissioning activities post-integration with plant automation.
• Train plant managers and operators on OB CUP use and analytics.
• Prepare customer-facing reports and communicate outcomes.

Skills

Central utility plant modeling

Energy analytics

Optimization

Data analytics

HVAC design

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Energy modeling tools

Job description

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education. For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward. Visit johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnsoncontrols on social platforms.

What you will do:

OpenBlue Central Utility Plant (OB CUP) is an innovative software product that helps central energy facility managers and operators minimize carbon footprint and operational costs through the reduction of energy and water consumption. The Principal Central Utility Plant Modeling Engineer will develop, calibrate, and validate detailed engineering simulation models that drive plant optimization algorithms, support commissioning and user training activities, and perform Measurement & Verification (M&V) analyses to quantify energy savings and operational performance improvements. This role combines deep expertise in central utility plant modeling, energy analytics, optimization, and customer engagement to maximize the value delivered through the OpenBlue platform. This is a remote position for US based candidates.

How you will do it:

• Conduct site visits of central utility plants to analyze plant configuration, operation, performance, and optimization opportunities.
• Gather, cleanse, and process data from various sources and utilize analytical tools and techniques to prepare data for OB CUP analysis and modeling.
• Develop, calibrate, and validate energy and central plant simulation models to estimate potential savings from implementing OB CUP and other energy conservation measures.
• Apply engineering judgment and problem-solving skills to validate simulation results and troubleshoot model performance.
• Utilize advanced analytics, optimization techniques, and AI/ML-enabled capabilities within the OpenBlue platform to improve plant operational efficiency and performance.
• Following integration with plant automation systems, lead commissioning activities to ensure OB CUP algorithms are dispatching plant equipment optimally and in alignment with simulation models.
• Troubleshoot plant automation systems and operational issues identified during commissioning.
• Train and support plant managers and operators in the effective use of OB CUP software and analytics.
• Perform savings Measurement & Verification (M&V) analyses, develop customer-facing reports, and communicate energy and operational outcomes.
• Provide weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual customer analytics reports communicating to JCI leadership the overall effectiveness, savings, and customer impact of OB CUP by customer, local office, region, and global organization.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, software, and product teams to continuously improve modeling methodologies and optimization performance.

Required:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent professional/military experience.
• 10+ years of experience developing, calibrating, and validating energy, HVAC, or central utility plant simulation models.
• Experience performing Measurement & Verification (M&V) analyses using industry-standard methodologies (e.g., IPMVP).
• 5+ years of experience in HVAC design engineering and/or developing building energy savings projects.
• Experience with the design and operation of central utility plants (chilled water, hot water, steam, thermal storage, etc.).
• Understanding of building cooling and heating loads, energy calculation methodologies, and the performance of building mechanical/electrical systems.
• Knowledge of HVAC equipment including hydronic systems, steam/condensate systems, chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, and related central plant equipment.
• Experience calibrating simulation models with operational data and validating performance against measured system operation.
• General understanding of HVAC controls, building automation systems, and central utility plant sequences of operation.
• Understanding of basic business case analysis and lifecycle cost analysis methods.
• Knowledge of common utility rate structures.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP), or other relevant certifications.
• Consulting engineering experience.
• Experience with building energy simulation and performance modeling tools.
• Experience with inverse modeling, regression analysis, and advanced engineering analytics techniques.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled analytics, predictive modeling, or optimization techniques applied to energy systems, HVAC systems, or plant operations.
• Knowledge of co-generation or combined heat and power (CHP) plants.
• Understanding of mathematical optimization and plant dispatch optimization methodologies.
• Experience supporting decarbonization, energy efficiency, or sustainability initiatives within large-scale central utility plant environments.

HIRING SALARY RANGE:

$116,000 - $175,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers.

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law.

If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.

Johnson Controls: Enhancing the Intelligence of Buildings

Your buildings have a purpose. They are places for people to live or work. Facilities for learning or healing. Venues for entertainment and shopping. Sites for the specialized storage of tangible goods or mission-critical data. Your buildings have a huge variety of functions; they are central to your mission. This is where Johnson Controls comes in, helping drive the outcomes that matter most. Through a full range of systems and digital solutions, we make your buildings smarter. A smarter building is safer, more comfortable, more efficient, and, ultimately, more sustainable. Most important, smarter buildings let you focus more intensely on your unique mission. Better for your people. Better for your bottom line. Better for the planet. At Johnson Controls, we’ve been making buildings smarter since 1885, and our capabilities, depth of innovation experience, and global reach have been growing ever since. Today, we offer the world’s largest portfolio of building products, technologies, software, and services; we put that portfolio to work to transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play.