Senior Engineer – Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) | Data Center /. BESS
Role Overview We're seeking a Senior CFD Engineer to lead fluid dynamics and thermal modeling for data center projects across two scales — facility-level airflow and thermal management inside the data center, and site-level modeling including cooling infrastructure, thermal plumes, and grid/energy integration. This is a hands-on technical role delivering high-quality CFD analysis in support of Sunstripe's data center engineering practice.
Key Responsibilities
Facility-Level Modeling
- Perform CFD modeling of data center airflow and thermal environments — including hot/cold aisle containment, rack-level cooling, raised floor plenum, and CRAC/CRAH unit performance
- Model and optimize cooling system configurations — air-side, liquid-cooled, and hybrid systems — to support facility design and performance validation
- Conduct thermal risk assessments, identify hotspots, and develop mitigation strategies across a range of data center typologies (hyperscale, colocation, edge)
- Support equipment layout, rack density planning, and cooling infrastructure sizing through simulation
Site-Level Modeling
- Perform site-level CFD analysis including cooling tower thermal plume dispersion, external airflow, and site microclimate effects
- Support energy and thermal modeling for data center grid and utility integration, including waste heat recovery and thermal load forecasting
- Collaborate with power systems engineers on data center grid integration studies, bridging thermal and electrical modeling
General
- Prepare detailed technical reports, simulation outputs, and visualizations for client and internal stakeholders
- Drive tool and methodology development across the CFD practice
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers
- Ensure compliance with relevant data center standards (ASHRAE, TIA-942, Uptime Institute)
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field
- Solid hands-on experience in CFD modeling, with demonstrated application to data center thermal and airflow analysis
- Proficiency across industry CFD tools — Ansys Fluent, Ansys CFX, 6SigmaRoom / Future Facilities, and OpenFOAM
- Experience with both facility-level (rack, aisle, room) and site-level (cooling tower, plume, microclimate) modeling
- Familiarity with data center cooling systems — air-side economization, liquid cooling, CRAC/CRAH, cooling towers
- Knowledge of relevant data center standards (ASHRAE TC 9.9, TIA-942, Uptime Institute Tier classifications)
- Strong analytical, written, and visualization skills — able to communicate complex simulation outputs clearly to engineering and client audiences
- Ability to work independently and manage own deliverables within project timelines
