Principal Thermal Systems Product Engineer (onsite)

Johnson Controls, Inc.; Sunset View (MD, PA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Competitive benefits

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Johnson Controls is seeking a Principal Thermal Systems Engineer to shape future data center cooling technology. You will own the full lifecycle of next‑gen thermal systems from concept through certification, production launch, and sustainment.

You will collaborate with global teams to translate needs into innovative, certified, manufacturable solutions, influencing cost, quality, and profitability while advancing cutting‑edge thermal solutions for datacenters.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• CAD proficiency with SolidWorks or Creo.
• Engineering calculations proficiency (MathCAD, EES, or equivalent).
• 4+ years of professional experience with heat transfer analysis and thermodynamic cycle analysis.
• 4+ years in the commercial HVAC industry; preferably chillers.
• 4+ years experience with released thermal products or systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute complex thermal product development projects from concept through production launches.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between R&D and design engineering.
• Work with design and manufacturing teams to balance cost, performance and reliability.
• Define specs for complete thermal systems including multi-domain requirements.
• Own PDP deliverables (DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans) and lead validation tests.
• Lead process improvement initiatives across thermal product development domains.
• May supervise a team of 2–5 engineers and technicians.
• Resolve production and field issues through root cause and corrective action.
• Obtain and maintain agency approvals (UL, CE/PED, ASME, regional standards).

Skills

Heat transfer

HVAC industry

Thermal systems sizing

CAD software

Engineering calculations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

MathCAD

EES

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 datacenters, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.

For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where itreally matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, weelevatecustomer performance,turn goals into real-world results andhelpmove society forward.

Visit johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnsoncontrols on socialplatforms.

What you will do

Johnson Controls is seeking a Principal Thermal Systems Engineer to help shape the future of data center cooling technology. As a key member of our Data Center Thermal Solutions team, you will take ownership of the complete product lifecycle for next-generation thermal systems, from early concept development and system architecture through certification, global production launch, and long-term product sustainment.

In this highly visible role, you will collaborate with global cross-functional teams to transform customer needs and emerging technologies into innovative, certified, and manufacturable solutions. You will drive critical decisions that influence product performance, quality, cost, profitability, and market success while advancing cutting-edge thermal solutions for one of the world's fastest-growing industries.

This position is based in New Freedom, PA, where onsite collaboration is essential to driving innovation and execution. Candidates should live within commuting distance or be open to relocation. Competitive relocation assistance packages are available.

How you will do it

• Plan and execute complex thermal product development projects and product releases; own full thermal system designs from concept through production launches and manage engineering changes in SAP across global factories
• Serve as the primary technical interface between research/advanced development teams and design engineering, translating research findings into actionable product development plans
• Work closely with the design and manufacturing teams in generating layout concepts and system configurations that consider the best balance of cost, performance, and reliability
• Define specifications for complete thermal systems including multi-domain requirements (thermal, controls, electrical) and manufacturing constraints
• Own PDP deliverables (DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans) and lead validation test programs
• Lead process improvement initiatives across thermal product development domains
• May supervise a team of 2-5 engineers plus technicians on thermal system product development projects
• Resolve escalated production and field issues through root cause and corrective action
• Secure and maintain agency approvals (UL, CE/PED, ASME, and regional standards)

What you will need

Required

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent)
• Engineering calculations and documentation (MathCAD, EES, or equivalent)
• 4+ years of professional experience with heat transfer analysis (conduction, convection, two-phase), thermodynamic cycle analysis, fluid mechanics, hydraulic system design, and thermal system component sizing and selection
• 4+ years of experience within the commercial HVAC industry; preferably chillers
• 4+ years experience with released thermal products or systems

Preferred

• Python scripting and environment management (package installation, virtual environments, basic automation)
• CFD (ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or equivalent)
• FEA (ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, or equivalent)
• MATLAB/Simulink for system modeling and controls
• Controls fundamentals (feedback loops, PID tuning, system response)
• Electrical systems basics (motor sizing, VFDs, power distribution)
• Refrigeration system design and refrigerant properties
• Data center cooling architectures (direct liquid cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, CDUs)

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $100,000 - $130,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with marketdata.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group,and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. Theposted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognizethat exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typicalprofile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, weencourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may usetechnology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluatecandidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, pleasevisit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us