Principal Systems Engineer

Actalent; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

20% WFH

Job summary

Actalent in Syracuse, NY seeks a Thermal Systems Engineer to lead the development of intelligent Climate and Energy technologies for HVAC&R applications. The role focuses on system architectures, rapid prototyping, and external collaborations with universities and startups.

You will mentor engineers, drive feasibility studies, and communicate progress to executives while advancing sustainable climate solutions from a Center of Excellence in Syracuse.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering with 7+ years hands-on experience or PhD with 5+ years.
• 3+ years of experience in thermodynamic cycles, heat transfer, or fluid dynamics.
• 3+ years of experience with physics-based modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience designing, executing, and analyzing system- and component-level testing.
• Experience serving as principal investigator or project team lead.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive technical vision and development of novel systems from concept through validation.
• Lead R&D efforts by exploring new technologies, reviewing patents, and assessing feasibility.
• Translate ambiguous problems into structured technical approaches and learning plans.
• Define system architectures, requirements, and key tradeoffs for early concepts.
• Drive rapid prototyping, modeling, and experimental validation to reduce risk.
• Identify, evaluate, and mature emerging technologies for future products.
• Develop IP strategies to enable freedom to operate and protect innovations.
• Lead cross-functional teams across COEs, platform teams, and business units.
• Partner with universities and startups to accelerate innovation.
• Identify and lead external funded research proposals and manage programs.
• Communicate progress, risks, and insights to leadership.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of innovation.
• Drive development projects autonomously with continuous improvement.

Skills

Thermal systems engineering

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Modeling and simulation

System testing

Project leadership

Education

Masters degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Thermal Systems EngineerJob Description

Join our Innovation Center of Excellence, where you'll have the opportunity to drive the development of intelligent Climate and Energy technologies in HVAC&R applications. Located in Syracuse, the North American hub for product design and groundbreaking research, you'll help shape the future of sustainable and intelligent climate solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive the technical vision and development of novel systems and technologies from concept through proof-of-concept and validation.
• Lead R&D efforts by exploring new technologies, reviewing patents, and synthesizing technical feasibility.
• Translate ambiguous problem statements into structured technical approaches and learning plans.
• Define system architectures, requirements, and key technical tradeoffs for early-stage concepts.
• Drive rapid prototyping, modeling, and experimental validation to reduce technical risk.
• Identify, evaluate, and mature emerging technologies and define integration paths into future products.
• Develop IP strategies to enable freedom to operate and protect key innovations.
• Lead cross-functional teams across COEs, platform teams, and business units to ensure alignment.
• Partner with external stakeholders, including universities and startups, to accelerate innovation.
• Identify and lead the development of externally funded research proposals and lead programs through execution and delivery.
• Communicate progress, risks, and insights to technical and executive leadership.
• Mentor and guide engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Drive development projects autonomously while implementing continuous improvement processes.

Essential Skills

• Masters degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering with 7+ years of hands‑on engineering experience or PhD with 5+ years.
• 3+ years of experience in thermodynamic cycles, heat transfer, or fluid dynamics.
• 3+ years of experience with physics‑based modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience designing, executing, and analyzing system- and component-level testing.
• Experience serving as principal investigator or project team lead.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering.
• 5 years of experience in HVAC&R or related industrial applications.
• Familiarity with technology development process and technology readiness levels (TRLs).
• Experience with system architecture development and multidisciplinary engineering integration.
• Experience developing intellectual property, including invention disclosures and patents.
• Experience in working with universities, consortia, external labs, and start‑ups.

Work Environment

Work with a team of 25 people in a Center of Excellence. Be part of a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, committed to creating impactful solutions for people and the planet. Our diverse workforce is dedicated to innovation and customer‑centric solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Syracuse, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $175000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Carrier Benefits summary will be provided. Health and Wellness, retirement, tuition reimbursement, 20% WFH

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Syracuse, NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Syracuse,NY.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.