Principal Data Center Thermal Systems Engineer (hybrid)

What you will do Johnson Controls’ Data Center Product Architecture team is seeking a Principal Data Center Thermal Systems Engineer for the Advanced Technology & Innovation group. You will be a technical leader for thermal projects and teams within Data Center Thermal Solutions. You'll work independently to develop comprehensive thermal system solutions, coordinate multi-domain integration, and lead process improvement initiatives. You will be a recognized expert in one or more thermal domains with strong cross-domain knowledge essential for integrated system development. This position is based onsite, minimum 3 days per week, at our Advanced Technology and Innovation Center located in New Freedom, PA. Candidates must be commuting distance to the facility or able to relocate.How you will do it Plan and execute complex thermal projects and product releases; complete full thermal system designsIntegrate subsystems into complete thermal solutions; coordinate across cooling loops, controls, and heat rejectionDefine specifications for complete thermal systems including multi-domain requirements (thermal, controls, electrical)Lead process improvement initiatives across thermal domainsMay lead a team of 2-5 engineers plus technicians on thermal system projectsPresent status and strategy information across departments; mentor Engineer II and Senior EngineersWhat you will needRequired Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering7 years experience with released thermal products or systemsChiller industry experience, or large industrial HVAC industry experienceMicrosoft 365/Excel (including basic macros/VBA for data analysis and reporting)CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent)Engineering calculations and documentation (MathCAD, EES, or equivalent)Heat transfer analysis (conduction, convection, two-phase)Strong cross-domain knowledge across thermal, controls, electrical systems—generalists with 80% mastery across domains highly valuedThermodynamic cycle analysisFluid mechanics and hydraulic system designThermal system component sizing and selectionPrototype fabrication and hands-on testingCross-functional project executionPreferredSoftware/Simulation experiencePython 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 controlsControls fundamentals (feedback loops, PID tuning, system response)Electrical systems basics (motor sizing, VFDs, power distribution)Refrigeration system design and refrigerant propertiesData center cooling architectures (direct liquid cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, CDUs)Expert in one or more thermal domains (CDU, chiller, dry cooler, cold plate systems)

Created: 2026-01-28