ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Thermal Engineer
Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX
Who We Are:
We are a collaborative, agile team of engineers within Southwest Research Institute dedicated to advancing science and applying technology for the benefit of government and industry. We develop next-generation thermal and fluid systems across data center cooling, energy and power, aerospace, aviation, and defense—delivering objective, high-impact solutions to complex engineering challenges.
Objectives of this Role:
- Provide engineering support for research projects on thermal systems involving heat transfer and complex fluid phenomena.
- Topic areas include data center cooling, space thermal management, electronics cooling, HVAC and other energy/water nexus topics.
- Lead experimental research projects in a laboratory setting.
- Provide design solutions for thermal management systems and/or fluid systems using analytical and computational approaches.
- Develop innovative solutions for commercial and government clients on the world’s challenges in the energy-water nexus.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Lead bench- and pilot-scale thermal-fluid experiments, including design of flow loops; integration of pumps, heat exchangers, cold plates, chillers, CDUs; installation of temperature/pressure/flow instrumentation; and commissioning of safe, fully integrated test systems.
- Develop and operate LabVIEW-based data acquisition and control systems; automate test sequences; monitor performance in real time; and conduct data reduction, analysis, visualization, and uncertainty quantification using MATLAB and/or Python.
- Design and optimize thermal management and fluid systems using first principles, analytical methods, and CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+); validate models with experimental data for data centers, space systems, electronics cooling, HVAC, and energy-water applications.
- Manage multiple concurrent technical projects, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, documentation, and technical/financial performance; prepare test plans and reports; present results to stakeholders and at national/international conferences.
- Apply relevant standards (e.g., ASHRAE, AHRI) to design and testing; communicate complex findings effectively; support proposal development and customer engagement; identify new research opportunities; and maintain safe laboratory operations.
Requirements:
- Requires a Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 0-5 years: Dissertation or thesis must be related to one of the following fields: thermal management design in data center cooling, space thermal fluids, electronics cooling, HVAC, or energy-water systems.
- 1 years: For those with unrelated dissertation or thesis, 1 year of industry experience in a thermal engineering role is required.
- Experience in LabVIEW for data acquisition and control and CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+) for modeling and optimization is preferred.
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO