Principal Data Center Thermal Systems Engineer (hybrid)

Johnson Controls • New Freedom, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 7 years experience with released thermal products or systems
• Chiller industry experience, or large industrial HVAC industry experience
• Microsoft 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 valued
• Thermodynamic cycle analysis
• Fluid mechanics and hydraulic system design
• Thermal system component sizing and selection
• Prototype fabrication and hands-on testing
• Cross-functional project execution

Nice To Haves

• Software/Simulation experience
• 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)
• Expert in one or more thermal domains (CDU, chiller, dry cooler, cold plate systems)

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute complex thermal projects and product releases; complete full thermal system designs
• Integrate subsystems into complete thermal solutions; coordinate across cooling loops, controls, and heat rejection
• Define specifications for complete thermal systems including multi-domain requirements (thermal, controls, electrical)
• Lead process improvement initiatives across thermal domains
• May lead a team of 2-5 engineers plus technicians on thermal system projects
• Present status and strategy information across departments; mentor Engineer II and Senior Engineers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees