Mechanical Engineer – Industrial HVAC & Environment Control - Kentucky

Contemporary Amperex Technology Kentucky LLC (CATK) is a U.S. subsidiary of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a global leader in the research, development and manufacturing of advanced electric vehicle and energy storage batteries. CATK plays a pivotal role in advancing electric mobility, strengthening energy resilience, fostering innovation, and building strategic partnerships to support market development across the United States.

To become a globally leading innovative technology corporation, contribute meaningfully to sustainable energy solutions, and provide a platform that supports both the professional and personal growth of our employees.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in industrial HVAC systems and environmental control. This onsite role will focus on the optimization, commissioning, and asset management of critical environmental control systems—specifically DHU (Desiccant Dehumidification Units), RAH (Recirculating Air Handlers), and AHU (Air Handling Units). The ideal candidate will ensure that our advanced manufacturing environments (Dry Rooms & Clean Rooms) achieve and maintain world-class stability, meeting strict process parameters (e.g., Ultra-low humidity RH up to 2%
RH, precise temperature control, and high process capability Ppk > 1.67).

• System Ownership & Optimization: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all dry room and clean room HVAC assets, including Desiccant Dehumidification Units (DHU), Recirculating Air Handlers (RAH), and Air Handling Units (AHU). Lead efforts to maximize system reliability and energy efficiency.
• Engineering Analysis & Troubleshooting: Utilize engineering principles to diagnose and resolve complex stability issues related to airflow balancing, pressure cascading, humidity spikes, and thermal loads. Conduct Design of Experiments (DOE) and root cause analysis (RCA) to solve systemic environmental deviations.
• Capacity & Performance Modeling: Perform thermodynamic and psychrometric calculations to evaluate cooling/heating loads, moisture removal capacity, and system redundancy against expanding production capacities.
• Project Management & Commissioning: Oversee the technical execution of HVAC retrofits, capacity expansion, and system upgrades. Manage third-party contractors and vendors (e.g., Johnson Controls, Leadec) from engineering design review through final testing and balancing (TAB) and commissioning.
• Data-Driven Quality Control: Collaborate with Quality and Process teams to monitor environment control performance indices ($C_{pk} / $P_{pk}). Implement predictive maintenance strategies using automation data to prevent environmental drift.
• Standard Operating Procedures: Establish and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), preventative maintenance (PM) checklists, and spare parts strategies for critical HVAC components (e.g., desiccant rotors, VOC abatement, steam/chilled water valves).

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in industrial HVAC engineering, preferably within EV Battery Manufacturing (Lithium-ion), Semiconductors, Pharmaceuticals
  , or similar high-tech clean room/dry room environments.
• Technical Expertise:
  * Deep understanding of industrial desiccant dehumidification technology and psychrometrics at low dew-point operations.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale AHU/RAH airflow configuration
  , variable frequency drives (VFDs), filtration systems (HEPA/ULPA), and PID loop tuning.
• Familiarity with industrial utility systems supporting HVAC (chilled water plants, steam boilers, compressed air).
• Software & Tools: Proficiency with HVAC load calculation software, AutoCAD/Revit, and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel) for analyzing system trends. Familiarity with BMS/SCADA systems .
• Soft Skills: Exceptional cross-functional communication skills, with a proven ability to bridge technical discussions and drive alignment across…