Thermal Engineer

Project Engineer – Thermal Management for Utility-Scale Energy Storage

This role focuses on thermal management for lithium-ion battery energy storage systems within utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. You will support projects from initial design through commissioning, defining technical scope, providing engineering oversight, and acting as a key technical resource for cross-functional teams. The position combines strong analytical skills with a customer-service mindset to deliver high-performing, safe, and reliable energy storage solutions while continuously improving tools, standards, and processes.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the design aspects of major components for utility-scale energy storage projects, with a focus on thermal management performance and reliability.
• Prepare detailed technical scopes of work for thermal management studies and designs, and incorporate these requirements into contract documents.
• Support projects from conception through commissioning, including participation in on-site commissioning activities for lithium-ion BESS installations.
• Provide engineering guidance and technical direction to internal project teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee and coordinate with external Engineers of Record to ensure designs meet project requirements, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with suppliers on equipment sizing, control strategies, technology compatibility, and integration of thermal management systems within BESS solutions.
• Partner with multi-disciplined teams to solve complex technical problems, optimize system integration, and drive process improvements across projects.
• Identify and evaluate value engineering opportunities to enhance performance, reduce cost, and improve constructability of energy storage projects.
• Monitor and assess emerging technologies in thermal management and energy storage to inform design standards and future project approaches.
• Capture lessons learned from completed projects and translate them into updated tools, standards, and best practices to maximize BESS performance.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making.
• Perform other job-related engineering duties as assigned in support of the Utility Scale Energy Storage team.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in thermal design and thermal analysis for complex mechanical or energy systems.
• Strong experience in mechanical engineering principles applied to thermal management and HVAC systems.
• Subject matter expertise in thermal management for energy storage systems, including one or more of the following: hydronic HVAC, air-cooled HVAC, battery heat generation and dissipation, or BESS design.
• Hands-on experience with VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow), hydronic, and air-side HVAC systems.
• Strong knowledge of energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion battery chemistries, power conversion units, and DC/DC converters.
• Familiarity with relevant safety standards and codes, including UL1973, UL9540, NFPA 855, NFPA 70E, NEC, and applicable IFC/IBC sections.
• Proven ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences, both in writing and verbally.
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• At least 5 years of engineering experience, preferably in energy storage, thermal management, or related mechanical systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on utility-scale solar or energy storage projects and understanding of their integration with BESS.
• Ability to define engineering scope and requirements for thermal management systems within large, complex projects.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional and multi-disciplined teams, including suppliers and external engineering partners.
• Track record of identifying process improvements, developing tools and standards, and implementing lessons learned across projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a detail-oriented and methodical approach.
• Customer-service mindset when supporting internal and external stakeholders on technical issues.

Work Environment

The role supports utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System projects from early design through field commissioning, providing exposure to both office-based engineering work and on-site project activities. You will collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers, as well as suppliers and external Engineers of Record. The work involves frequent use of engineering tools for thermal design and analysis, as well as regular interaction with technologies such as lithium-ion battery systems, power conversion units, DC/DC converters, and advanced HVAC systems including VRF, hydronic, and air-side configurations. On-site commissioning activities may involve working in outdoor or industrial environments around large electrical and mechanical equipment, adhering to applicable safety standards and codes such as UL1973, UL9540, NFPA 855, NFPA 70E, NEC, and relevant IFC/IBC sections. The position typically follows standard full-time working hours, with additional effort during critical project milestones such as commissioning or major design reviews.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Juno Beach, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.