Data Center Thermal Application Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Data Center Thermal Application Engineer to support the design, integration, and deployment of advanced cooling solutions in modern data centers. This role will play a critical part in enabling high-density workloads (AI/ML, HPC) by working closely with Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU), Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler and Fan Array/Wall system suppliers to deliver efficient, scalable, and reliable cooling architectures. This position requires strong expertise in liquid cooling systems, airflow management, and system-level thermal integration, along with the ability to collaborate with external partners and internal cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Thermal Solution Design & Integration

• Design and implement thermal solutions leveraging liquid cooling (CDUs, direct-to-chip) and high-performance air-cooling systems (Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler, fan walls/arrays)
• Define system-level cooling architectures integrating CDU loops, facility water systems, and rack-level cooling solutions
• Evaluate and optimize airflow strategies, including cold aisle/hot aisle containment and fan wall deployment
• Perform thermal calculations, system sizing, and redundancy planning

Supplier Collaboration & Technical Interface

• Act as the primary technical interface with CDU, Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler and fan array/wall system suppliers
• Review vendor designs, specifications, and performance data to ensure alignment with system requirements
• Drive joint engineering development, validation, and issue resolution with partners
• Coordinate integration testing, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT)

Application Engineering & Deployment Support

• Support site-specific solution design by assessing customer requirements, heat loads, and facility constraints
• Provide technical guidance during installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Collaborate with field teams and customers to resolve thermal performance issues and optimize system operation
• Develop application notes, design guides, and best practices for deployment

Modeling, Validation & Optimization

• Use CFD and system modeling tools (e.g., 6SigmaDCX, ANSYS Icepak, FloTHERM) to validate thermal performance
• Analyze liquid flow characteristics, pressure drops, and heat exchanger performance
• Conduct lab and field validation, including thermal testing of CDU, Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler and airflow systems
• Continuously improve system efficiency, energy usage (PUE), and reliability

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and data center infrastructure teams
• Support procurement and quality teams in supplier selection and qualification
• Contribute to product development and roadmap planning for next-generation cooling solutions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering

• 5+ years of experience in data center cooling, thermal engineering, or HVAC systems

• Hands-on experience with at least one of the following:

• CDUs and liquid cooling systems (direct-to-chip, liquid loops)

• Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler

• Fan arrays/walls or large-scale airflow systems

• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and chilled water systems

• Experience working with external suppliers or OEM partners in a technical capacity

• Knowledge of ASHRAE TC9.9 guidelines and data center standards

• Strong communication skills with ability to work across internal teams and external vendors

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hyperscale or colocation data center environments
• Familiarity with AI/HPC high-density rack (>30-100kW+) cooling challenges
• Knowledge of controls and monitoring of CDU systems (BMS/DCIM integration)
• Experience in commissioning and field deployment of cooling systems
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or certifications in data center design (CDCDP/CDCS)
• Proficiency in CFD and thermal simulation tools

Skills & Competencies

• Strong program and project management capability
• Leadership and influence across matrixed organizations
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Risk management and problem-solving
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• High attention to detail and execution discipline

Travel Requirements

• 25%-40% travel (project sites, factory inspections, FAT/SAT, customer reviews)

Why Join Ingersoll Rand

• Be part of a high-growth, high-impact market powering the digital economy
• Work in a culture that values ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with a team committed to innovation, operational excellence, and customer success
• Play a critical role in securing strategic, multi-year platform wins that shape the future of mission-critical infrastructure

What We Value at Ingersoll Rand:

• We think and act like owners. We take accountability, bounce back from setbacks, and operate with a bias for action.
• We are bold in our aspirations. We tackle hard problems with confidence, humility, and integrity.
• We foster inspired teams. We embrace diverse perspectives and are committed to equity and inclusion.
• We are committed to making our customers successful. We aim to be connected for life, delivering essential and mission-critical solutions.