Mechanical Engineer – CFD (Data Center HVAC Design)

Overview

SSOE is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a strong focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to support the design and optimization of HVAC systems for mission-critical data centers.

This role combines traditional mechanical system design with advanced airflow and thermal modeling to ensure high-performance, energy-efficient, and resilient environments.

In this role, you will work closely with an exceptional and fully integrated staff of in-house engineering and architecture teams to ensure that these critical projects meet and exceed industry standards from scope development to commissioning and start-up.

SSOE brings decades of experience in power-intensive, high-tech, and mission-critical environments throughout North America, making us an excellent choice for your next career move.

Why Join SSOE and Elevate Your Career?

At SSOE, you'll work with amazing colleagues and be part of something big!

We've consistently been named a “Great Place to Work” and are experiencing the most successful years in our history.

Along with industry-leading salary compensation, you'll be eligible to purchase shares in the company — shares that have significantly outperformed both the S&P and Dow averages.

What We Offer

• A hybrid or fully remote work schedule option for this role, providing you with the flexibility to achieve work-life balance while excelling in your career.
• Competitive Salary: $110k - $135k / year depending on location, education, experience, and certifications.
• Bonus and Incentives: Eligibility for our annual target bonus/incentive program based on company and individual performance and goals.
• Ownership

Opportunities: As an employee-owned firm, we offer ownership opportunities to all employees at the associate level and above.

This senior associate-level role will allow you to become a shareholder of SSOE.

• Comprehensive

Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), professional development and training, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

Additional Perks

• Continuous Learning: Embrace a culture of perpetual learning where curiosity is celebrated, innovative ideas are welcomed, and your career growth aspirations are fully supported.
• Career Stability: A diversity of market sectors, project types, and geographic locations that help insulate your career from economic ups and downs.
• Career Advancement: Embark on a structured career journey with abundant opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Holistic

Compensation: A holistic approach to compensation and benefits that supports your physical and mental health, encourages work-life balance, and empowers your career advancement and financial success.

SSOE – The Best of Both Worlds

At SSOE, our growth trajectory allows us to offer the opportunities normally associated with a large firm while embracing the collaborative and supportive culture often found in smaller firms.

As a member of the SSOE team, you'll work on exciting and diverse projects for Fortune 100 clients around the globe, supported by the best technology for the task at hand.

You'll experience our employee-centric culture that strives to offer a healthy balance, flexible working arrangements, direct access to leadership at all levels, and a continuous learning mindset.

• Once you experience the SSOE difference, you’ll understand the why behind our metrics:
• 28% - of our employees have been with SSOE for 10 years or more.
• 15% - percentage of employees with tenure exceeding 15 years.
• 99% - our CEO’s approval rating on Glassdoor.
• 98% - portion of our clients who say they would recommend us to a colleague.
• AI and Innovation

As part of our commitment to innovation, all team members will be trained on Microsoft Copilot and empowered to use it as a core tool in their everyday work.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed engineering designs, technical project plans, specifications, drawings, and 3D models aligned with client requirements and industry standards.
• Perform CFD simulations using tools such as Cadence (e. g., Fidelity/Pointwise or similar) to analyze airflow, temperature distribution, pressure gradients, and cooling effectiveness within data center environments.
• Design and optimize HVAC systems including CRAH/CRAC units, chillers, cooling towers, containment systems (hot/cold aisle), ductwork, and ventilation strategies.
• Conduct mechanical calculations including cooling load analysis, airflow distribution, pressure drop, pump head, and energy efficiency to support design decisions.
• Interpret CFD results to recommend design improvements for thermal management, redundancy, and energy optimization (PUE reduction).
• Apply standard engineering practices while adapting designs to meet complex data center performance requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (Electrical, Structural, Architectural, and Controls) to integrate mechanical systems into coordinated design packages.
• Participate in and facilitate internal/external design reviews, ensuring deliverables meet QA/QC standards and project milestones.
• Perform site visits and field verifications to validate design assumptions, troubleshoot issues, and support construction activities.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, and technical inquiries from contractors and vendors, ensuring accurate documentation and version control.
• Support commissioning efforts by validating system performance against CFD predictions and design intent.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited) or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical/HVAC design, preferably in data centers or mission-critical facilities.
• Hands-on experience with CFD modeling tools, including Cadence software.
• Proficiency in Auto CAD and Revit.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems including chillers, air distribution, cooling strategies, and controls.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE guidelines (especially TC 9.9 for data centers) and applicable building codes.
• Ability to translate complex simulation data into actionable engineering decisions.
• Strong communication skills to convey technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or PE tracked.
• Experience with Navisworks, PIPE-FLO, or similar hydraulic modeling tools.
• Familiarity with data center standards (Uptime Institute, TIA-942).
• Experience with energy modeling and sustainability strategies for high-density environments.
• Exposure to liquid cooling technologies (direct-to-chip, immersion cooling) is a plus.
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