If you are an experienced engineering professional looking to take on greater technical leadership and drive high-impact development programs, Copeland has an exciting opportunity for you. Based in our Sidney, OH location, the
Senior Project Engineer - Centrifugal will lead complex, time-sensitive projects while advancing Copeland's expertise in oil-free centrifugal compression technology. You will guide the development, evaluation, and maturation of next-generation oil-free centrifugal compressors, delivering improvements in efficiency, cost, manufacturability, and reliability.
In this role, you will provide technical leadership and drive products from validated concepts through commercialization in partnership with global cross-functional teams. You'll join a collaborative engineering organization that values innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
As a Senior Project Engineer, You Will:- Drive the development, qualification, and launch of new product technologies aligned with key business objectives, taking ownership from validated concepts through commercialization and production release
- Champion Lean principles to streamline new product development cycles and accelerate product maturation.
- Partner with global cross-functional teams (Advanced Technology, Design, Advanced Manufacturing, Marketing, Procurement, Quality, etc.) to align requirements, resolve issues, and ensure program success
- Develop and execute comprehensive development, testing, and validation plans with a strong emphasis on risk mitigation, reliability growth, and performance optimization
- Apply high degree of independent engineering knowledge to lead cross functional efforts in technical development and problem solving.
- Apply engineering judgment to solve complex technical challenges involving aerodynamics, rotordynamics, materials, lubrication, and system integration
- Lead design reviews, mentor junior engineers, and ensure adherence to engineering standards, quality requirements, and regulatory compliance
- Support product launch activities, pilot builds, and post-launch improvements to drive continuous product maturity
- Present technical findings, performance data, and project status updates to leadership, internal teams, and external customers
- Influence decision-making across the organization through clear communication, data-driven recommendations, and cross-functional alignment
- Serve as a technical resource and mentor capable of developing engineers to follow a disciplined, technical problem-solving process
Required Education, Experience & Skills:- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Mechanics with a minimum 5-7 years of relevant engineering experience, preferably in rotating machinery, compressors, turbomachinery, or HVAC/R systems
- Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects from concept validation through commercialization
- Ability to lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts using strong engineering knowledge and data-driven decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across multiple cross-functional teams and global partners
- Expertise in technical problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and structured engineering methodologies
- Proficiency with GD&T and mechanical design fundamentals
- Experience coordinating testing, validation, and product qualification activities
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels
Preferred Education, Experience & Skills:- 8+ years of experience in compressor development, turbomachinery, or HVAC/R product engineering
- Experience with compressor testing, performance mapping, and root-cause analysis tools such as 8-D
- Prior success leading global product development programs
- Familiarity with Lean methodologies, Lean product development, and continuous improvement practices
- HVAC Systems Awareness, ability to integrate compressor with power electronics and other system controls
Onsite Work Arrangement:
This role is based fully onsite, and not eligible for hybrid or remote work opportunities.
