Sr Thermal Test Engineer

Baltimore Aircoil Company is seeking a Senior Thermal Test Engineer as a member of the Thermal Support Systems Group. This engineer will oversee thermal testing for BAC’s global product lines to support development of thermal models, regulatory testing, customer performance testing, and new product introduction (NPI) initiatives.

About the Role

This role is tasked with establishing state-of-the-art testing processes and elevating personnel and equipment to a world-class degree of efficiency. Responsibilities include acquiring and deploying expertise in cooling tower, fluid cooler, condenser, and hybrid systems, field testing, as well as setting up global testing facility standards. The role also involves representing the organization at relevant heat rejection associations and consortiums.

Reports to the Chief Engineer, Thermal Support Systems Group.

Responsibilities

• Be the point-of-contact with the R&D Laboratory on all thermal testing programs.
• Lead the thermal data testing required to develop theoretical models and assist in developing performance rating programs.
• Be intimately involved in critical stages of thermal modeling such as unit selection, scheduling, prototype testing, and data interpretation.
• Support innovation to identify opportunities for improving thermal performance through performance concept testing and data analysis.
• Provide analysis and recommendations on concept behavior and enhancement, ensuring project reports are written.
• Provide thermal engineering expertise and support to New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Perform or oversee prototype testing and data reduction, evaluating prototype behavior to identify deficiencies and potential for performance enhancement.
• Lead efforts to oversee and complete CTI annual re-certification tests, including scheduling test windows, selecting test units, and coordinating CTI tester and lab activities.
• Actively represent the organization at the Institute by participating in committees, presentations, and product showcases.
• Drive continuous improvement in the R&D laboratory by benchmarking thermal testing processes against industry leaders and optimizing testing techniques to scale capacity.
• Review existing lab processes, systems (DAQ, etc.), and technical sub-routines to improve efficiency and quality of data collection and analysis.
• Enhance integration of engineering projects with laboratory priorities and personnel.
• Assist in scheduling and planning test matrices to minimize prototype testing burdens while validating theoretical models and innovation concepts.
• Provide training and guidance as needed.
• Support customer thermal performance verification testing (Factory Witness Testing) by setting expectations, resolving queries, and generating reports.
• Support field installation, testing, and troubleshooting of towers, fluid coolers, condensers, and hybrid equipment.
• Support improvement and expansion efforts of global prototype testing facilities to cater to diverse needs.
• Prepare reports on complex projects and make presentations at all levels of the organization.
• Provide continuous improvement to laboratory processes and test procedures, developing and refining Standard Operating Procedures.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with a strong emphasis in thermodynamics, heat/mass transfer, and fluid mechanics.
• Graduate degree, graduate coursework, and/or P.E. license is a plus.
• 6–8 years’ experience in testing HVAC & refrigeration systems and components (graduate degree in related areas may count toward experience).
• High level of competence with experimental work and laboratory testing, including knowledge of flow, pressure, temperature, and velocity measurements.
• Familiarity with instrumentation in a psychrometric testing environment and data acquisition systems (e.g., LABVIEW).
• Knowledge of test uncertainty and measurement error accumulation is a plus.
• Good scientific and engineering programming skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel VBA and/or other widely used engineering computation software.
• Ability to work with or learn CAD software.
• Strong time management, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a globally diverse environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must enjoy a hands-on approach in an open learning, continuous improvement environment.
• Ability to train and interface successfully with laboratory technicians.
• Inquisitive, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and dedicated with strong follow-through skills.

Schedule

Travel can be up to 15% of the time.

Pay

BAC Hiring Compensation Range: $90,000 – $154,100.

Eligible to participate in an annual bonus incentive program.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.
• Paid time off.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).