Staff Engineer Thermal Modeling

Baltimore Aircoil Company is seeking a Thermal Engineer as a key member of the globally responsible Thermal Modeling Group. This engineer will develop thermal models for BAC’s global product lines to address thermal rating needs, new product introduction (NPI) initiatives, scalability, innovation, sustaining activities, and regulatory certification.

About the Role

The position requires a background in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics with expertise in heat transfer. A technical knowledge of BAC products and applications, design for manufacturing, and general engineering principles is also required. The work is largely independent with direction provided as needed for unusual or complex problems. The individual will interact with other global engineering groups and occasionally groups outside of global engineering.

Reports to the Chief Engineer, Thermal Modeling Group.

Responsibilities

• Develop thermal performance models, prediction software tools, and rating programs.
• Accurately interpolate test data and correlate data to fundamental models.
• Provide thermal engineering expertise and support to New Product Introduction.
• Perform or oversee prototype testing and data reduction.
• Participate in efforts to implement and maintain thermal certification of heat rejection products working with third-party testers and program administrators.
• Support innovation to identify opportunities for improving thermal performance through thermal modeling.
• Provide analysis and recommendations on concept behavior and enhancement.
• Review existing thermal modeling tools and technology to improve the efficiency and quality of the thermal modeling process.
• Provide thermal technology sustaining support to existing product lines, including enhancing unit selection software tools and assessing thermal performance for nonstandard unit configurations and installations.
• Prepare reports on complex projects and make presentations at all levels of the organization.
• Monitor developments in the industry pertaining to heat rejection equipment performance, certification, and emerging technical focus areas.
• Work closely with engineering platforms responsible for creating product models.
• Support existing product enhancement, cost reduction, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Understand and apply relevant codes and standards in the design and testing of products and components.
• Use standard and advanced technical and mathematical principles, theories, concepts, techniques, processes, and best practices in solving problems.
• Continuously increase expertise on all aspects of product design, theory, construction, operation, and application.
• Travel as needed to global engineering centers in Europe and Asia, and occasionally to regional manufacturing facilities, test laboratories, job sites, technical conferences, and industry association meetings.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering; Master’s degree preferred with a strong emphasis in single-phase and multi-phase heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, psychrometrics, and thermodynamics.
• Approximately 8-10 years of engineering experience with a B.S. or 4-6 years with a Master’s; product development experience preferred; global experience preferred.
• Experience developing thermal performance models for heat rejection equipment (cooling towers, dry coolers, dry condensers, evaporative coolers/condensers, adiabatic systems, and hybrid designs).
• Proficient in psychrometric analysis, including detailed modeling of sensible and latent cooling processes, air–water interaction, and humidity-driven performance effects.
• Strong scientific and engineering programming capabilities; proficient in C#/C++, MATLAB, EES, and Microsoft Excel VBA, with experience developing customized engineering software on the Microsoft .NET platform (C# preferred).
• Experienced with numerical simulation and modeling tools (Ansys Fluent, Autodesk CFD, EES, MATLAB) and skilled in applying Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
• Experienced with component-level thermal modeling tools (CoilDesigner, HTRI Xchanger Suite) and developing air-side system resistance and fan performance models.
• Competence with experimental work and laboratory testing, including knowledge of pressure, temperature, flow, and velocity measurements.
• Strong analysis and problem-solving ability; inquisitive, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and excellent follow-through skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills for a globally diverse audience.

Skills

• Effective communication, written and verbal, with a globally diverse audience.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams to develop and plan tasks.
• Ability to understand product/component function, reliability, and quality requirements.
• Understanding of HVAC/refrigeration systems and components preferred.
• Strong time management and project management skills.
• Skilled in producing high-quality technical documentation for thermal modeling code, including structured process flow charts, algorithm logic maps, and model workflow descriptions.
• Ability to work with analytical and CAD software.

Schedule

• Standard 40-hour workweek (8:30 AM–5:00 PM with flexible start/finish times allowed).
• Travel, both domestically and internationally, up to 15% of the time.
• Occasional evening/weekend hours required, often possible to work remotely via VPN.
• Primarily sedentary office work, with periodic travel to manufacturing facilities requiring medium physical activity and lifting.

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 and 401k.
• Employee stock ownership plan.