Principal Thermal Systems Product Engineer

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 data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.  

For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.  

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

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 market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us

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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.