Principal Mechanical Engineer - Commercial HVAC
About The Position
This Principal Engineer will develop and apply advanced mechanical engineering methods, theories, and research techniques to solve complex technical challenges related to Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and HVAC systems, with a strong emphasis on Commercial Rooftop Air Conditioners (RTUs) and Unitary HVAC equipment. The role involves leading analysis, system design, and performance validation activities for commercial rooftop air conditioning systems, focusing on efficiency, reliability, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance. The engineer will utilize advanced mechanical engineering design tools to create technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models for HVAC product development. Investigations and testing of significant complexity will be conducted to support new product development, system enhancements, and validation of applied design methods. Key responsibilities include the design and optimization of heat exchangers, refrigeration circuits, and airflow pathways used in commercial HVAC systems. The role also requires reviewing industry literature, standards, patents, and competitive products to ensure designs adhere to best practices and emerging technologies, and recommending improvements to engineering methodologies. Evaluating vendor capabilities and components is also part of the role, ensuring alignment with product performance and quality requirements. Additionally, the Principal Engineer will provide technical guidance, mentorship, and consultation to cross-functional teams and junior engineers, and will plan, lead, and technically direct engineering projects or major project phases, coordinating efforts across engineering and technical support staff. Further responsibilities include developing and executing test plans for commercial unitary heat pump systems, analyzing test data to validate performance against standards, supporting the development of improved HVAC technologies, collaborating with laboratory teams to configure test setups, and documenting findings to recommend design changes. Support for the development of engineering samples, field trials, pilot, and start of production activities at remote manufacturing facilities is also expected.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's degree preferred) followed by 10 years of progressive experience in an engineering position/occupation.
- 15+ years of overall experience involving Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, HVAC systems analysis, system design, and performance validation.
- Expert understanding of the practical application of engineering science and technology.
- Experience with analytical and CAD software.
- Requires expert knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Responsibilities
- Lead analysis, system design, and performance validation activities for commercial rooftop air conditioning systems, focusing on efficiency, reliability, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance.
- Use advanced mechanical engineering design tools to develop technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models for HVAC product development.
- Conduct investigations and testing activities of significant complexity to support new product development, system enhancements, and validation of applied design methods.
- Responsible for design and optimization of heat exchangers, refrigeration circuits, and airflow pathways used in commercial HVAC systems.
- Review industry literature, standards, patents, and competitive products to ensure designs follow best practices and emerging technologies.
- Recommend improvements or corrections to technical analyses, design approaches, and engineering methodologies.
- Evaluate vendor capabilities and components to ensure alignment with product performance and quality requirements.
- Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and consultation to cross‑functional teams and junior engineers.
- Plan, lead, and technically direct engineering projects or major project phases, coordinating efforts across engineering and technical support staff.
- Develop and execute test plans for commercial unitary heat pump systems, including heating performance, defrost operation, compressor cycling, refrigerant charge optimization, and low‑ambient operation.
- Analyze test data to validate performance against DOE efficiency standards, AHRI testing requirements, and internal performance targets.
- Support development of improved HVAC technologies, including evaluating new heat transfer surfaces and improved compressor technologies like variable speed and tandem compressors.
- Collaborate with laboratory teams to configure test setups, instrumentation, psychrometric environments, and load conditions to ensure accurate and repeatable results.
- Document findings and recommend design changes based on test outcomes.
- Support Development of engineering samples, field trials, pilot and start of production activities at remote manufacturing facilities.
Benefits
- tuition reimbursement
- medical, dental, and vision insurance
- prescription drug coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- short-term disability insurance
- 8 weeks paid birthing leave
- 2 weeks paid bonding leave
- life and long-term disability insurance
- 12 days paid time off
- 2 paid well-being days
- 1 paid volunteer day
- 9 to 11 paid company holidays depending on the year
- 3 floating holidays per year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
