Sr Thermal Systems Engineer

Actalent; New Freedom (York County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Sr Thermal Systems Engineer to join a long-term on-site engagement with a leader in smart building technologies. The role focuses on developing a configurable CDU family for data center cooling.

You will translate custom cooling solutions into modular platforms, performing thermal calculations, modeling, and hardware design across concept to manufacturing release. 7+ years in thermal systems, strong heat transfer and HVAC expertise are essential.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in thermal systems engineering or product development.
• Strong expertise in: Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, HVAC Systems, Thermal Modeling, Cooling Systems Design.
• Experience with full product development lifecycle.
• Ability to make engineering decisions using analytical and real-world performance data.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal calculations, heat transfer analysis, and fluid flow modeling.
• Design and optimize CDU systems, pumps, heat exchangers, and dry cooler solutions.
• Develop system-level thermal performance models.
• Evaluate various operating modes and system configurations.
• Perform ratings analysis and performance validation.
• Support conversion of custom products into standardized configurable platforms.
• Participate in full product lifecycle activities from concept through manufacturing release.
• Develop engineering specifications and design requirements.
• Support modularization initiatives for future product generations.
• Drive engineering trade-off analyses related to performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to define operational logic and control algorithms.

Skills

Heat Transfer

Thermodynamics

HVAC Systems

Thermal Modeling

Cooling Systems Design

Pump Sizing

Product Development Lifecycle

Education

Bachelor's / Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or related

Job description

We're seeking a Sr Thermal Systems Engineer to work a long term engagement with us on site with our client, a leader in smart building technologies. This role will support the development of a next-generation family of configurable Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) products within their data center cooling portfolio.

The selected engineers will play a critical role in transforming existing custom-engineered cooling solutions into standardized and modular product platforms. This role requires deep expertise in thermal engineering, heat transfer, fluid systems, heat exchangers, HVAC technologies, and cooling system design, combined with hands-on product development experience spanning concept, design, validation, manufacturing, and field deployment.

Candidates with backgrounds in data center cooling, thermal management products, food & beverage processing, pharmaceutical systems, brewery industry, stainless steel processing equipment, or heat exchanger manufacturing are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Thermal & System Design

• Perform thermal calculations, heat transfer analysis, and fluid flow modeling.
• Design and optimize CDU systems, pumps, heat exchangers, and dry cooler solutions.
• Develop system-level thermal performance models.
• Evaluate various operating modes and system configurations.
• Perform ratings analysis and performance validation.

Product Development

• Support conversion of custom products into standardized configurable platforms.
• Participate in full product lifecycle activities from concept through manufacturing release.
• Develop engineering specifications and design requirements.
• Support modularization initiatives for future product generations.
• Drive engineering trade-off analyses related to performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability.

Controls & Performance Optimization

• Collaborate with controls engineers to define operational logic and control algorithms.
• Support development of sequences of operation and system responses.
• Analyze pump control, flow management, and heat rejection optimization strategies.
• Support localization initiatives across North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams on design-for-manufacturing improvements.
• Help define manufacturing standards for U.S. and Mexico production expansion.
• Participate in design verification and production readiness activities.

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in thermal systems engineering or product development.
• Strong expertise in:
• Heat Transfer
• Thermodynamics
• HVAC Systems
• Thermal Modeling
• Cooling Systems Design
• Pump Selection and Sizing
• Experience with full product development lifecycle.
• Ability to make engineering decisions using analytical and real-world performance data.