Research Staffing Engineer

Carrier•Syracuse, NY

18d•$96,000 - $192,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Innovation Center of Excellence is seeking a motivated, results-oriented and experienced engineer to join our team based in East Syracuse, NY. As a Staff Research Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving the development of novel systems and technologies from concept through validation. You will play a key role in shaping and executing high-impact innovation programs that enable step-change improvements in performance, cost, sustainability, and digital capabilities. This includes advancing both near-to-mid-term differentiated solutions and longer-term disruptive innovations that may redefine system architectures and customer value. You will work at the intersection of research and product realization, collaborating with cross-functional teams across COEs, platform organizations, and external partners to mature technologies and define clear transition paths into Carrier’s product and technology roadmaps. Your role will require translating ambiguity into structured learning, reducing technical risk, and ensuring that only validated, high-value opportunities progress toward commercialization. This position is ideal for a technically deep, forward-thinking leader who thrives in an innovation environment, navigates uncertainty with confidence, and is passionate about enhancing lives and shaping the world we share.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Mechanical, Thermal, Aerospace or Systems engineering with 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience or PhD with 3+ years of hands-on engineering experience.
3+ years of experience in heat transfer, thermodynamic cycles, fluid dynamics, or related engineering domains
3+ years of experience with physics-based modeling and simulation tools (e.g., CFD, FEA, or system-level modeling)
3+ years of experience designing, executing, and analyzing system- and component-level testing for technology validation

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Engineering or a related field
5+ years of experience in HVAC&R or related industrial applications
Deep understanding of HVAC&R systems, thermodynamic cycles, and psychrometric analysis
Proven experience leading early-stage innovation, research, or advanced development programs from concept through validation
Demonstrated ability to translate emerging technologies into differentiated solutions aligned with product and customer value
Experience with system architecture development and multidisciplinary engineering integration
Experience developing intellectual property, including invention disclosures and patents
Experience identifying, developing, and securing externally funded research programs (e.g., DOE, NSF, ARPA-E)
Familiarity with technology development processes, including Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) (e.g., NASA, ISO 16290)
Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive alignment without direct authority
Experience collaborating with external partners, including universities, startups, and research institutions
Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced innovation environments

Responsibilities

Lead the technical development of novel systems and technologies from concept through proof-of-concept and validation
Translate ambiguous problem statements into structured technical approaches, experiments, and learning plans
Define system architectures, requirements, and key technical tradeoffs for early-stage concepts
Drive rapid prototyping, modeling, and experimental validation to reduce technical risk
Identify, evaluate, and mature emerging technologies, including assessing technical feasibility and defining integration paths into future products and value propositions
Develop IP strategies to enable freedom to operate and protect key innovations
Identify and lead the development of externally funded research proposals, including government-sponsored programs, aligned with strategic technology priorities, and, if awarded, lead programs through technical execution and delivery
Collaborate cross-functionally with COEs, platform teams, and business units to ensure alignment and enable successful technology transition
Partner with external stakeholders, including universities, startups, and industry collaborators, to accelerate innovation
Communicate progress, risks, and insights to technical and executive leadership
Mentor and guide engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and accountability