Lead R&D Engineer/Scientist

Solstice Advanced Materials•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

The Lead Advanced R&D Engineer/Scientist will provide technical leadership in the development of next-generation refrigerants and thermal management solutions for Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) and Electric Vehicle (EV) heat pump applications. This role combines refrigerant development, experimental research, system simulation, and industry engagement to accelerate the commercialization of environmentally sustainable refrigerant technologies. The individual will lead efforts ranging from refrigerant screening and qualification through system optimization, validation, and market adoption.

Requirements

M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
8+ years of experience in mobile air conditioning, EV heat pump systems, refrigeration, thermal management, or related automotive technologies.
Demonstrated experience leading technical projects from concept through commercialization.
Strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, refrigeration cycles, and thermal system analysis.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing, developing, and optimizing MAC and EV heat pump systems.
Deep understanding of refrigerant properties, refrigerant qualification, and system integration.
Experience conducting both experimental and theoretical/simulation-based research.
Hands-on experience with system modeling tools such as GT-SUITE, EES, or equivalent platforms.
Strong understanding of automotive thermal management architectures and electrified vehicle technologies.
Active participation in SAE International activities, technical committees, CRP programs, standards development, or technical conferences strongly preferred.
Experience collaborating with global automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
Proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, patents, publications, or technology commercialization.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Passion for innovation, continuous learning, and technology leadership.
Ability to influence without authority and drive alignment across diverse teams.
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related discipline.
Experience with low-GWP refrigerants and automotive refrigerant transitions.
Knowledge of global automotive regulations, SAE standards, and refrigerant qualification methodologies.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and execution of experimental programs to evaluate refrigerants, thermal systems, and key components, including heat exchangers, compressors, expansion devices, and ancillary system components.
Develop and apply advanced simulation and modeling tools to analyze refrigeration and heat pump system performance for MAC and EV applications.
Drive technical strategies and research roadmaps supporting the development and commercialization of new refrigerant technologies.
Work closely with teams to generate high-quality data and validate modeling predictions through experimental testing.
Lead root-cause investigations and solve complex thermal system, refrigerant performance, and application challenges.
Interpret complex scientific and engineering data and effectively communicate findings to internal leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and scientists.
Collaborate effectively across R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, and Business teams in a global matrix organization.
Interface directly with automotive OEMs, suppliers, industry associations, and customers to support technology development and adoption.
Represent the company in industry working groups and standards organizations, such as active participation in SAE committees and technical forums.
Contribute to intellectual property generation through invention disclosures, patents, publications, and technical presentations.
Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with company HSE requirements and applicable industry standards.