Principal Sensor Engineer

Carrier; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrier is seeking a Pr. Sensor Engineer to join the Engineering team in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This role involves leading the development of innovative gas detection products within their Industrial Fire and Safety business. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in R&D and a strong understanding of sensing technologies.

Key responsibilities include evaluating new technologies, conducting research, and collaborating with project stakeholders. A strong educational background in Chemical Engineering or related fields is required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of R&D experience with sensors and sensing products.
• 7+ years with MATLAB/Simulink or similar simulation software.
• Experience in both hardware and embedded firmware design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of gas detection products including electro-chemical and metal oxide sensors.
• Evaluate new technologies and identify risk areas.
• Conduct research and utilize modeling tools to support product development.
• Define specifications for in-house sensor development.
• Participate in technology roadmap development.

Skills

R&D experience

MATLAB/Simulink

Firmware design

Hazard applications knowledge

Strong communication skills

Education

Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or related science

Job description

Carrier is the leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions with a world‑class, diverse workforce with business segments covering HVAC, refrigeration, and fire and security. We make modern life possible by delivering safer, smarter and more sustainable services that make a difference to people and our planet while revolutionizing industry trends. This is why we come to work every day. Join us and we can make a difference together.

About Det‑Tronics

Det‑Tronics is an industry leading division of Carrier’s global Industrial Fire and Safety business and has an exciting opportunity for a Pr. Sensor Engineer in the Engineering team to support their existing and growing portfolio of fire, gas and smoke detection products. These detection products utilize a variety of proprietary sensing technologies from optical to chemical that must be certified to a wide range of industry standards and country‑specific regulations. Customers around the world rely on these connected products to keep people and property safe in challenging hazardous environments found in applications from traditional POG (Petrochemical, Oil and Gas) to the latest Renewable & Clean Energy markets. This position offers a rewarding career in Carrier to lead the sensor development on projects for these diverse markets and applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise in the development of gas detection products including electro‑chemical, metal oxide and pellistor sensors.
• Evaluate new technologies for technical feasibility. Identify areas of technological risk or weakness, as well as mitigation paths through additional R&D or diagnostics.
• Conduct research to support product development projects. Utilize mathematical and computer modeling tools. Develop test beds and test protocols to establish and verifying model correlation.
• Define sensor and sub‑system specifications and requirements for in‑house sensor development or OEM sensor selection.
• Participate in technology roadmap development as well as strategic NPD and product extension planning.
• Document and protect technology and solutions through patent applications and technical reports.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and control techniques to develop innovative customer solutions. Foster relationships with key customers to understand their needs and get feedback on potential solutions.
• Act as the sensing technology subject matter expert from concept inception, through product development, and the entire product lifecycle. Provide technical leadership and consultation to the engineering team and other departments within the company.
• Ensure the organization has adequate technical knowledge of new technologies by leading technical training sessions.
• Evaluate gas detection products on the market for technology utilization and robustness.
• Thoroughly document technical activities, as well as publish relevant customer facing documents (white papers).
• Contribute to process and laboratory improvement activities.
• Support multiple technology and product development programs at a given time.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related science, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of R&D experience with sensors and sensing products.
• 7+ years with MATLAB/Simulink (or similar simulation software).
• 7+ years in both hardware and embedded firmware design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess a thorough knowledge of design practices for regulated products. High hazard applications (Industrial Life Safety, SIL2) knowledge strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and writing skills to for collaboration with project stakeholders (Product Managers, Customers, and other Engineers).
• Skilled in collaborating with other engineers to define technical requirements for system/subsystem/component architectures.
• Ability to work both as team and independently on assignments to foster continuous improvement of processes and deliverables.
• Must have led the sensor development of a product at least once through commercial launch demonstrating experience across all phases of the product development lifecycle, from requirements capture through design, implementation, and test.
• Must be able to perform job functions safely and work within established company guidelines.
• Experienced with FMEAs and developing control techniques to mitigate risks.
• Self‑motivated with strong analytical and interpersonal skills