Sr. Performance Engineer

Transaera; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Flexible PTO

Stock Options

Bonuses

401K

Job summary

An innovative startup in HVAC solutions seeks a Sr. Performance Engineer in Somerville, MA. The role involves designing and optimizing heat pump systems, validating performance through prototypes, and mentoring junior engineers. Ideal candidates have 4-6 years of relevant experience and strong skills in heat transfer and thermal modeling with software like MATLAB and Python. This position offers a collaborative environment focused on creating sustainable cooling solutions, with excellent benefits including health insurance and stock options.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience in thermal system design, specifically HVAC systems or air conditioning.
• Deep knowledge of heat transfer principles and fluid dynamics.
• Practical experience in thermal systems design and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Develop performance models for HVAC systems.
• Execute prototype testing to validate thermal designs.
• Lead design for refrigerant systems and optimize heat exchangers.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Prototyping and testing proficiency

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Sr. Performance Engineer

Location: Somerville, MA (Onsite) Employment type: Full-Time

About Us

Transaera is a fast-growing, VC-backed startup from MIT, dedicated to redefining the future of air conditioning with cutting‑edge, sustainable solutions. Based in Boston, MA, we’re tackling one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: making cooling more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

As a Department of Energy grant recipient and a proud finalist in the prestigious Global Cooling Prize, our team is at the forefront of groundbreaking innovation. Our high‑efficiency air conditioning systems are designed to transform how the world stays cool while reducing environmental impact.

At Transaera, you’ll join a passionate team of engineers, scientists, and visionaries committed to creating a cooler, greener future. Learn more about our revolutionary work at www.transaera.com.

The Role

What You’ll Do

As a Sr. Performance Engineer at Transaera, you will play a key role in the design, development, and optimization of novel heat pump systems. You will contribute to the full lifecycle of thermal system development, from conceptual design to prototype testing and system optimization. This role demands a deep understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, HVAC systems, controls, and refrigerant loops, as well as the ability to collaborate with the team and external partners in a fast‑paced, startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• System Performance Design: Development, maturation, and ownership of system performance model for Transaera’s next generation HVAC systems.
• Fielded System Performance Validation: Develop Digital Twin model, develop report generation, etc.
• Selection Software: develop customer selection software for product selection by specifying engineers, developers, partners, and other customers.
• Refrigerant System Design: Lead the design and development of refrigerant systems for novel heat pump technologies, including tube sizing, routing, insulation, and component selection.
• Heat Exchanger Design: Design and optimize heat exchangers, specifically evaporators and condensers, with a focus on refrigerant circuiting and thermal optimization for both refrigerant and air circuits.
• Thermal Modeling: Develop and implement first‑principles‑based thermal models for heat and mass transfer in desiccant‑enabled systems. Leverage tools like MATLAB, Python, and spreadsheets for first‑order models and detailed design analysis.
• Prototype Testing: Define and execute prototype builds and testing to validate thermal designs, ensuring that performance and efficiency targets are met.
• System Architecture and Trade‑offs: Analyze and communicate system architecture trade‑offs, particularly with respect to thermal considerations, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
• Collaboration & Communication: Present formal technical reviews internally and externally with customers. Track technical status, risks, and provide inputs to program planning.
• Cross‑functional Collaboration: Support the engineering team’s development efforts by providing key thermal inputs for integration with other systems.
• Team Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and lead a small team to effectively collaborate and execute on complex thermal system designs.

What You’ll Bring

We recognize that there are many paths to success. While we list desired skills and qualifications below, we encourage you to apply if you meet most of them or have transferable experiences.

Required Skills and Experience

• 4-6 years of experience in thermal system design, with a strong background in HVAC systems, air conditioning, refrigerant system design, or similar fields.
• Deep knowledge of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and HVAC systems.
• Practical experience in the design and optimization of thermal systems, including refrigerant loops, heat exchangers, and thermal management solutions.
• Strong proficiency in thermal modeling, including experience with hand calculations, spreadsheets, and software such as MATLAB or Python for system modeling and analysis.

Skills

• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced, results‑driven environment.
• Excellent communication skills to present technical data and collaborate with internal and external teams.
• Proficiency in prototyping and testing to verify design assumptions and ensure performance standards are met.
• Ability to lead a team, provide mentorship, and foster a collaborative engineering culture.

Preferred but Not Required

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Core Values and Competencies

• Growth Mindset, leading with curiosity, willingness to take on new challenges and learn.
• Collaborative and team player approach, you understand the value of working with a team all trying to reach the same common goal.
• Have a passion for making a difference with your work.

What to Expect

We value transparency. Here’s what you can expect during your application process and if you join our team:

Interview Process

1. First round: 30 min call with the Recruiting Screen.
2. Second round: 30 min call with CTO.
3. Third round: Team Loop (Onsite) (2) 1:1 30 min calls.
4. Final round: 30 min call with CEO.

Work Environment

We are an innovative and rapidly growing startup, all working toward the same mission to bring efficient cooling solutions to the world. Creativity and experimentation are at the heart of what we do, so you'll have the freedom to explore new ideas, test out solutions, and challenge the status quo. We thrive on having a bias for action, and ability to pivot priorities to put our best work forward.

Team and Culture

Collaborative, hard working team with fun and joy integrated in what we do. We push boundaries and savor the rewards!

Why Join Us

• Impact: Be part of a mission‑driven team that values innovation and creativity, where your contributions directly shape the future of the company and the impact it has on the world.
• Growth: Fast growing startup, real time learning and growth opportunities, come grow your career with us.
• Inclusivity: We are a supportive, equitable environment where diverse perspectives are valued. We encourage questions, and challenge the status quo for the sake of growth and development.
• Benefits: Health Insurance, Flexible PTO, Stock Options, Bonuses, and 401K.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Transaera, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and success. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives.