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Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite)
full-timeBaltimore, New Freedom

Summary

Location

Baltimore, New Freedom

Type

full-time

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About this role

What you will do

The Engineering Director for Air Handling Systems leads the end‑to‑end engineering strategy, product development, and execution for the company’s Air Handling Unit (AHU) product portfolio. This role oversees a multidisciplinary engineering organization responsible for designing, validating, and launching industry‑leading air handling solutions that meet performance, efficiency, safety, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in AHU product design, a proven track record delivering complex engineering programs, and strong leadership capabilities to guide a high‑performing technical organization. This position is based in New Freedom, PA. Candidates must be commuting distance to the facility, or open to relocation.

How you will do it

Product Design & Technical Leadership

  • Direct the engineering design of Air Handling Units, including airflow systems, heat exchangers, fan systems, structural frames, controls integration, and product option sets.

  • Lead development of new AHU platforms and enhancements to existing product lines, ensuring competitive performance, manufacturability, and cost effectiveness.

  • Establish and enforce engineering standards, design guidelines, and best practices across mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering teams.

  • Ensure accuracy and integrity of engineering collateral, including design rules, calculators, drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and all critical design attributes.

Project Execution & Program Management

  • Lead large-scale product development programs from concept through launch, ensuring delivery to schedule, budget, and quality KPI targets.

  • Implement stage‑gate processes, risk management frameworks, and engineering governance.

  • Collaborate closely with manufacturing, sourcing, quality, product management, and operations to ensure seamless product introduction and lifecycle support.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product performance, cost optimization, and engineering efficiency.

Engineering Organization Leadership

  • Manage and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, electrical, controls, test, and documentation engineers.

  • Build a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.

  • Oversee resource planning, organizational structure, and talent development to support current and future product needs.

  • Foster collaboration across global engineering and cross‑functional teams.

Strategic Product & Business Alignment

  • Partner with product management to define AHU product roadmaps, technology roadmaps, and long‑term innovation priorities.

  • Translate market trends, customer requirements, and competitive insights into actionable, engineering directions.

  • Support SIOP processes, cost‑reduction initiatives, and strategic sourcing decisions.

  • Represent engineering in executive reviews, customer engagements, and strategic planning sessions.

What you will need

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

  • 10–15+ years of experience in HVAC, AHU, or related engineered products.

  • Demonstrated success leading engineering teams and delivering complex product development programs.

  • Strong technical expertise in air handling systems, ventilation, airflow dynamics, heat transfer, and HVAC component integration.

  • Experience with CAD/CAE tools, CFD/FEA analysis, and product validation testing.

  • Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and engineering performance metrics.

  • Excellent communication, leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

  • Master’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Management.

  • Experience with modular AHU construction, custom AHU design, or large commercial/industrial HVAC systems.

  • Background in manufacturing environments involving sheet metal fabrication, coils, fans, and controls.

  • Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.

Other facts

Tech stack
Air Handling Units,HVAC,Product Development,Engineering Leadership,Mechanical Engineering,Electrical Engineering,Controls Integration,Project Management,Continuous Improvement,CAD/CAE Tools,CFD Analysis,FEA Analysis,Budget Management,Communication Skills,Collaboration Skills,Innovation

About Johnson Controls

At Johnson Controls, we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information.

Team size: 10,001+ employees
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Industry: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

What you'll do

  • The Engineering Director for Air Handling Systems leads the engineering strategy and product development for the company's AHU product portfolio. This role includes overseeing a multidisciplinary engineering organization and ensuring the delivery of industry-leading air handling solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite) do at Johnson Controls?

As a Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite) at Johnson Controls, you will: the Engineering Director for Air Handling Systems leads the engineering strategy and product development for the company's AHU product portfolio. This role includes overseeing a multidisciplinary engineering organization and ensuring the delivery of industry-leading air handling solutions..

Why join Johnson Controls as a Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite)?

Johnson Controls is a leading Industrial Machinery Manufacturing company.

Is the Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite) position at Johnson Controls remote?

The Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite) position at Johnson Controls is based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States and New Freedom, Pennsylvania, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite) position at Johnson Controls?

You can apply for the Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite) position at Johnson Controls directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Johnson Controls on their website.