Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field
3+ years of experience with thermal products or systems
Strong knowledge in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
Experience in HVAC system design and refrigerant cycles
Proficiency with numerical simulation tools (e.g., Modelica, MATLAB/Simulink)
Cross-domain knowledge in thermal, controls, and electrical systems
Proficiency in Microsoft 365/Excel with macros/VBA knowledge
Responsibilities
Develop numerical simulations for thermal components in data centers
Integrate subsystems into comprehensive thermal solutions
Use simulation tools to predict cooling system performance
Provide technical guidance based on system-level performance models
Present technical findings and recommendations across departments
Deliver presentations and write white papers on emerging technologies
Participate actively in industry groups like ASHRAE
Benefits
Possibility for remote work arrangement
Opportunities for professional development
Participation in leading industry groups and initiatives
Exposure to cutting-edge technology innovations
Engagement in cross-functional teams and projects
Full Job Description
What You Will Do
Johnson Controls’ Data Center Thermal Technology Solutions group is seeking a Senior Modeling Engineer. As a member of the modeling team, you will develop and apply numerical models to simulate the end-to-end performance of data center cooling systems. You will play a key role on cross-functional teams responsible for creating comprehensive thermal solutions for data center applications.
Your primary focus will be simulating system performance and providing design and application guidance based on model results. As part of the advanced development team, you will also stay current on emerging technologies in the data center cooling space and evaluate innovations that may influence future product offerings.
We prefer to have this candidate based in our Glendale, WI, or York, PA, office; however, this can also be a remote opportunity for the right candidate!
How You Will Do It
Develop numerical simulations of thermal components commonly used in data center applications.
Integrate subsystems into complete thermal solutions, coordinating across cooling loops, controls, and heat-rejection equipment.
Use simulation tools to predict chip-to-ambient performance of data center cooling systems.
Apply system-level performance models to provide technical guidance to customers.
Present project status, technical findings, and strategic recommendations across departments.
Deliver presentations and/or write white papers communicating JCI’s technical perspective on emerging technologies and system architectures.
Actively participate in industry groups such as ASHRAE and the Open Compute Project.
What You Will Need
Required
Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
3+ years of industry experience with thermal products or systems.
Strong theoretical foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
Experience with HVAC system design, refrigerant cycles, and component selection.
Proficiency with numerical simulation tools for building and thermal applications (e.g., Modelica, MATLAB/Simulink, EES, EnergyPlus).
Broad cross-domain knowledge spanning thermal, controls, and electrical systems—generalists with strong multidomain capability are highly valued.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365/Excel, including basic macros/VBA for data analysis and reporting.
Demonstrated ability to execute cross-functional projects.
Fundamentals of controls engineering (feedback loops, PID tuning, system response).
Basic understanding of electrical systems (motor sizing, VFDs, power distribution).
Experience with refrigeration system design and refrigerant properties.
Familiarity with data center cooling architectures (direct liquid cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, CDUs).
Expertise in one or more thermal domains (CDUs, chillers, dry coolers, cold0plate systems).
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls International plc is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Cork, Ireland that produces automotive parts such as batteries and electronics and HVAC equipment for buildings. It employs 105,000 people in around 2,000 locations across six continents. As of 2019, it was listed as 389th in the Fortune Global 500; in 2020, it became ineligible for the list. Johnson Controls was founded in 1885 by Warren S. Johnson, a professor at the State Normal School in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Originally called the Johnson Electric Service Company, it focused on automatic temperature regulation. In 1974, the company changed its name to Johnson Controls.
