Thermal Systems Modeling Engineer

POSITION PURPOSE

The Thermal Systems Modeling Analyst will work across our key internal stakeholders driving consistency across our thermal system resource utilization solutions. This would involve coordination of cooling system level modeling and testing while collaborating directly with some of our largest customers. A primary responsibility of this role is to develop and refine the simulation architecture for both unit and system-level modeling of HVAC/R units.  Work shall be done independently and as part of project teams.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and implement simulation architectures for HVAC/R units at both unit and system levels, covering the full range of BAC’s product portfolio as well as key competitive offerings, specifically including dry, adiabatic, and evaporative cooling units.
• Create and validate comprehensive models to accurately predict performance metrics, considering variables such as first costs and operating costs, specifically including electrical and water consumption.
• Build models capable of handling binned ambient weather conditions for diverse global locations, ensuring adaptability to varying climate data.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, and marketing, to ensure models align with company goals and product requirements.
• Interface with external partners, such as research universities and national laboratories, to integrate the latest research insights and collaborate on advanced modeling techniques.
• Interface with customers to deliver custom system cost of ownership models to help them evaluate and optimize their cooling needs.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on simulation results to inform design, engineering, and financial decision-making.
• Conduct and support lab tests that include heat exchanger tests and system thermal tests.
• Conduct research and create design proposals for projects.
• Prepare and present white papers and other documentation highlighting the system level consumption metrics of cooling systems.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Thermal Systems Modeling Engineer reports directly to the Chief Engineer-Thermal Modeling

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, thermal systems, or a related field.
• 5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong background in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer, with an emphasis on HVAC/R systems.
• Proficiency in simulation and modeling software commonly used in HVAC/R.
• Understanding and competency of end unit thermal performance, testing methodologies, simulation modeling, and heat exchanger component modeling in evaporative heat transfer environment required
• Proficiency with office applications, with a strong emphasis on Excel, including VBA for automation and advanced data analysis.
• Experience developing tools or simulations that consider both capital and operational expenses.
• Excellent analytical skills, with a strong focus on problem-solving and optimizing cost-efficiency.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to quickly research and find technical information on the web, in textbooks and in journals
• The ideal candidate will be self-driven, manage complex and ambiguous problems, customer focused, and thrive in a collaborative group environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Working hours are the standard BAC 40 hours per week (8:30am-5:00pm with flexible start/finish times allowed)
• Travel, both domestic and international, can be up to 20% of the time
• Occasional evening/weekend hours are required, although can often be done from home with the use of a portable computer.
• Primarily sedentary activity in the office will be experienced; however periodic travel to BAC manufacturing facilities with assembly (medium work) is required.
• Must have close visual acuity to work with computer systems and virtual models
• Will typically be subjected to only indoor conditions; however, on occasional trips to BAC manufacturing facilities, the worker may experience heat, cold, humidity, and noise.