Director of Engineering - Air Handling Unit Systems (onsite)

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 cha