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# Principal Systems Engineer

- **Company:** Actalent
- **Location:** Syracuse, NY, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $120,000 - $175,000
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Rapid Prototyping Process, Systems Architecture, Modeling and Simulation
- **Published:** November 7, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careercircle.com/jobs/all/all/usa/ny/syracuse/f69959e7-8bd0-401e-8cb4-296c9b6ad467

## About the Role

* Masters degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering with 7+ years of hands-on engineering experience or PhD with 5+ years.
 * 3+ years of experience in thermodynamic cycles, heat transfer, or fluid dynamics.
 * 3+ years of experience with physics-based modeling and simulation tools.
 * Experience designing, executing, and analyzing system- and component-level testing.
 * Experience serving as principal investigator or project team lead.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

 * PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering.
 * 5 years of experience in HVAC&R or related industrial applications.
 * Familiarity with technology development process and technology readiness levels (TRLs).
 * Experience with system architecture development and multidisciplinary engineering integration.
 * Experience developing intellectual property, including invention disclosures and patents.
 * Experience in working with universities, consortia, external labs, and start-ups.

Work Environment

Work with a team of 25 people in a Center of Excellence. Be part of a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, committed to creating impactful solutions for people and the planet. Our diverse workforce is dedicated to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
Job Type & Location, Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

## Description

* Lead and drive the technical vision and development of novel systems and technologies from concept through proof-of-concept and validation.
 * Lead R&D efforts by exploring new technologies, reviewing patents, and synthesizing technical feasibility.
 * Translate ambiguous problem statements into structured technical approaches and learning plans.
 * Define system architectures, requirements, and key technical tradeoffs for early-stage concepts.
 * Drive rapid prototyping, modeling, and experimental validation to reduce technical risk.
 * Identify, evaluate, and mature emerging technologies and define integration paths into future products.
 * Develop IP strategies to enable freedom to operate and protect key innovations.
 * Lead cross-functional teams across COEs, platform teams, and business units to ensure alignment.
 * Partner with external stakeholders, including universities and startups, to accelerate innovation.
 * Identify and lead the development of externally funded research proposals and lead programs through execution and delivery.
 * Communicate progress, risks, and insights to technical and executive leadership.
 * Mentor and guide engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
 * Drive development projects autonomously while implementing continuous improvement processes.