Senior Aero-Mechanical Engineer

Johnson Controls; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls is seeking an advanced aero-mechanical engineer to help develop next‑generation centrifugal compressors for HVAC and refrigeration systems. You will apply aerodynamic design, CFD analysis, and data‑driven methods to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.

The role emphasizes collaboration across teams, prototype testing, and the adoption of AI/ML techniques to streamline design workflows and optimize manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field required.
• 3–5 years of experience in compressors or rotating equipment or MSc/PhD in related fields preferred.
• Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and turbomachinery.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize centrifugal compressors and flow-path components using in-house and commercial tools.
• Develop and improve aerodynamic design methodologies, simulations, and performance prediction.
• Investigate AI/ML techniques and automated design workflows to enhance compressor performance.
• Support development programs from concept through validation, including tests and performance analysis.
• Collaborate with test lab personnel to plan, build, instrument, and evaluate prototype hardware.

Skills

CFD analysis

Python / MATLAB

Machinery design

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master’s preferred

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

STAR-CCM+

CAD (3D models)

Job description

Job Description Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Our mission is to reimagine building performance to serve people, places, and the planet. As a member of the Advanced Aero-Mechanical Engineering Team, you will play a key role in developing next-generation centrifugal compressor technologies used in industry-leading HVAC and refrigeration systems. This position combines aerodynamic design, advanced simulation, and data-driven engineering methods to improve compressor performance, reliability, and efficiency. The successful candidate will contribute to compressor development through aerodynamic design, CFD analysis, design optimization, and the application of emerging technologies such as Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). You will help advance engineering methodologies, support global product development programs, and drive innovation in compressor design. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer seeking technical growth, increased leadership responsibility, and the opportunity to influence future design processes and engineering tools.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize centrifugal compressors and related flow-path components using in-house and commercial engineering tools.
• Develop and improve aerodynamic design methodologies, simulation processes, and performance prediction capabilities.
• Investigate and implement advanced technologies and optimization techniques, including AI, ML, and automated design workflows.
• Support compressor development programs from concept through validation, including design reviews, testing, and performance analysis.
• Collaborate with test lab personnel to plan, build, instrument, and evaluate prototype hardware.
• Support the development and implementation of new compressor components, manufacturing methods, and assembly processes.
• Drive product and process improvements focused on performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost reduction.
• Coordinate development and prototyping activities to support engineering programs and product investigations.
• Provide technical guidance to technicians, operators, and cross-functional project teams.
• Support global engineering and manufacturing operations through collaboration and occasional international travel.
• Participate in customer visits and technical discussions as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in compressors or other rotating equipment, or aerodynamic component design; alternatively, MSc or PhD in the same fields
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and turbomachinery fundamentals.
• Experience with CFD software such as ANSYS CFX, Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or equivalent tools.
• Experience analyzing simulation and test data to support engineering decisions and product development.
• Proficiency with engineering programming and data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of CAD systems and the ability to extract dimensional and assembly information from 3D models.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands‑on experience in assembly, testing, troubleshooting, or prototype development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with aerodynamic optimization, parametric studies, and design‑of‑experiments methodologies.
• Knowledge of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, surrogate modeling, or other data‑driven engineering techniques.
• Experience developing engineering automation tools, scripts, or digital workflows.
• Experience working with large experimental, simulation, or operational datasets.
• Experience with centrifugal compressor design and performance mapping.

What You'll Work On

• Advanced centrifugal compressor aerodynamic design
• CFD-driven product development and optimization
• AI-assisted compressor performance prediction
• ML-based design and testing methodologies
• Digital engineering and workflow automation initiatives
• New refrigerant compressor technologies
• High‑efficiency and sustainable HVAC solutions

Growth Opportunities

Successful candidates will have opportunities to: Become technical leaders in compressor aerodynamics and turbomachinery. Lead advanced design and optimization initiatives. Drive the adoption of AI and ML technologies within product development. Collaborate with universities, industry experts, and research organizations. Expand into technical leadership, project leadership, or engineering management roles. Influence future engineering tools, processes, and product strategies.

Why Join Us?

You will join a team that combines deep engineering expertise with emerging digital technologies to redefine how compressors are designed, optimized, and validated. If you are passionate about aerodynamics, innovation, and applying advanced analytical and AI‑based tools to solve complex engineering challenges, we encourage you to apply. Join us and help shape the future of compressor technology.

#LI-Onsite #LI-SI1

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.