Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems EngineerCarrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is committed to creating innovations that bring comfort, safety and sustainability to life. Through cutting-edge advancements in climate solutions such as temperature control, air quality and transportation, we improve lives, empower critical industries and ensure safe transport of food, lifesaving medicines and more. Since inventing modern air conditioning in 1902, we lead with purpose: enhancing the lives we live and the world we share. We continue to lead because of our world-class, inclusive workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything we do.The Innovation COE is looking for talented and motivated principal investigators, systems engineers, and researchers who will be a part of Carrier's Innovation center of excellence, to enable the development of innovative and novel intelligent Climate and Energy technologies in HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration) applications. Innovation COE Americas is in Syracuse, which is the North American center for Carrier's product design and development, as well as groundbreaking innovative research. We ideate, design, verify and validate new products and technologies across Carrier's global portfolio, supporting Carrier's goal to be the global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving the development of novel systems and technologies from concept through validation. You will play a key role in shaping and executing high-impact innovation programs that enable step-change improvements in performance, cost, sustainability, and digital capabilities. This includes advancing both near-to-mid-term differentiated solutions and longer-term disruptive innovations that may redefine system architectures and customer value.You will work at the intersection of research and product realization, collaborating with cross functional teams across different COEs, platform organizations, and external partners to mature technologies and define clear transition paths into Carrier's product and technology roadmaps. Your role will require translating ambiguity into structured learning, reducing technical risk, and ensuring that only validated, high-value opportunities progress toward commercialization.This position is ideal for a technically deep, forward-thinking leader who thrives in an innovation environment, navigates uncertainty with confidence, and is passionate about enhancing lives and shaping the world we share.Key Job ResponsibilitiesLead and drive the technical vision and development of novel systems and technologies from concept through proof-of-concept and validationLead R&D efforts; explore new technologies and tools, review patents, journals, and publicly available data to synthesize technical feasibility, and propose strategies for disruptive technologiesTranslate ambiguous problem statements into structured technical approaches, experiments, and learning plansDefine system architectures, requirements, and key technical tradeoffs for early-stage conceptsDrive rapid prototyping, modeling, and experimental validation to reduce technical riskIdentify, evaluate, and mature emerging technologies, including assessing technical feasibility and defining integration paths into future products and value propositionsDevelop IP strategies to enable freedom to operate and protect key innovationsLead cross-functional teams across COEs, platform teams, and business units to ensure alignment and enable successful technology maturation and transitionPartner with external stakeholders, including universities, startups, and industry collaborators, to accelerate innovationIdentify and lead the development of externally funded research proposals, including government-sponsored programs, aligned with strategic technology priorities, and, if awarded, lead programs through technical execution and deliveryCommunicate progress, risks, and insights to technical and executive leadershipMentor and guide engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and accountabilityMust be self-driven and capable of driving development projects autonomously, while gathering feedback from appropriate experts and stakeholders, and implementing continuous improvement processesRequired QualificationsMaster's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering with 7+ years of hands-on engineering experience, or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering with 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience3+ years of experience in thermodynamic cycles, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, or related engineering domains3+ years of experience with physics-based modeling and simulation tools (e.g., CFD, FEA, or system-level modeling)3+ years of experience designing, executing, and analyzing system- and component-level testing for technology validation2+ years of experience serving as principal investigator or project team leadPreferred QualificationsPhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering5 years of experience in HVAC&R or related industrial applicationsDemonstrated project completion/delivery as a project leadFamiliarity with technology development process and technology readiness levels (TRLs)Experience with technology development process, including NASA/ISO 16290 technology readiness levels (TRLs)Experience with system architecture development and multidisciplinary engineering integrationExperience developing intellectual property, including invention disclosures and patentsExperience with design of experiments, test rig design, measurement system identification and implementation, instrumentation requirements development, and measurement uncertainty analysisExperience in working with universities, consortia, external labs and/or start-ups, coordinating feasibility studies and evaluations through statements of work or joint development agreementsStrong communication and influencing skills for technical and non-technical stakeholders and working with executive levelsFamiliarity with electromechanical systems including heat exchangers, compressors, motors, structural elements, HVAC equipment and applications, or similar systemsFamiliarity with energy storage systems, electrical or othersFamiliarity with electrical systems, high voltage systems, both AC and/or DCFamiliarity with embedded and/or cloud software developmentFamiliarity with control standards for distributed energy resourcesFamiliarity with next generation control strategies such as model predictive control, reinforcement learning, etc.Pay RangeThe annual salary for this position is between $117,500.00 - $234,500.00 annually. Factors which may affect pay within this range include, but are not limited to, skills, education, experience, and other unique qualifications of the successful candidate.Other CompensationThis position is entitled to short-term cash incentives, subject to plan requirements.BenefitsEmployees are eligible for benefits, including:Health Care Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision; Wellness incentivesRetirement BenefitsTime off and Leave: Paid vacation days, up to 15 days; paid sick days, up to 5 days; paid personal leave, up to 5 days; paid holidays, up to 13 days; birth and adoption leave; parental leave; family and medical leave; bereavement leave; jury duty leave; military leave; purchased vacationDisability: Short-term and long-term disabilityLife Insurance and Accidental Death and DismembermentTax-Advantaged Accounts: Health Savings Account; Health Care Spending Account; Dependent Care Spending AccountTuition Assistance