Research and Development Engineer

Vertiv; Edenbridge; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertiv in Edenbridge, UK is seeking a Research and Development Engineer to lead design and test of next-generation liquid cooling solutions for data centres and critical infrastructure. You will perform hands-on lab work, test rig setup, data analysis, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation.

The role requires strong experimental skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while contributing to standard work and safety practices in a

Qualifications

• BEng (Hons) or HNC/HND in Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal or related engineering discipline.
• Ideally, previous engineering R&D experience with independent experiment design and execution.
• Experience with liquid cooling systems or thermal management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, set up, operate, and maintain liquid cooling test rigs and experimental apparatus.
• Lead product performance test design and validation for high-density liquid cooling systems.
• Collect, record, and analyse test data with traceability per SOPs.
• Develop test procedures, work instructions and SOPs aligned with MBd processes.
• Lead prototype assembly, leak tests, and functional operation of cooling components.
• Ensure compliance with safety programs including LOTO and PPE.

Skills

Hydraulic systems

Data acquisition

Engineering drawings

Heat transfer principles

Electrical safety

MS Office / data analysis

Education

BEng (Hons) or HNC/HND in Mechanical/Electrical/Thermal engineering

Tools

Creo Parametric

Python

LabVIEW

Oracle Product Development Cloud

Job description

Vertiv is seeking a Research and Development Engineer to join our high-density liquid cooling R&D team in Edenbridge, UK. The successful candidate will independently lead test design, experimental analysis, and development of next-generation liquid cooling solutions for data centre and critical infrastructure applications. This role involves hands‑on laboratory work, test rig design and commissioning, data acquisition and analysis, and active collaboration with cross‑functional engineering teams to advance Vertiv's thermal management product portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Design, set up, operate, and maintain liquid cooling test rigs and experimental apparatus in accordance with Vertiv Engineering SOPs and Standard Work procedures.
• Lead and execute product performance test design and validation protocols for high-density liquid cooling systems, including cold plate assemblies, coolant distribution units (CDUs), and rear-door heat exchangers.
• Independently collect, record, and analyse test data, drawing conclusions and presenting findings using data acquisition systems, ensuring accuracy and traceability per Vertiv's Item and Item Structure Management SOP (PLM-ISM-SOP-001).
• Design and prepare test apparatus and instrumentation setups for R&D experiments, ensuring alignment with defined test objectives
• Perform routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments, pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples, and data acquisition tools.
• Lead the development and documentation of test procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures aligned with Vertiv's Model-Based Definition (MBD) process
• Maintain laboratory housekeeping standards, ensuring cleanliness and compliance with workmanship standards (processes, tools, materials, discipline, and cleanliness)
• Lead prototype assembly, leak testing, pressure testing and functional operation of liquid cooling components, coordinating with senior engineers as required.
• Comply with Vertiv's Electrical Safety Programme requirements, including proper use of PPE, risk assessments, and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures when working with energised test equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to Standard Work development as outlined in the VOS Global Procedure.
• Independently compile, analyse, and present test results, anomalies, and technical observations to the R&D engineering team in a timely manner.
• Lead and support ECN (Engineering Change Notice) release processes and configuration management activities.

Requirements

Education

• BEng (Hons) or HNC/HND (Level 4/5) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience

• Ideally, previous engineering R&D or relevant field experience, with demonstrated ability to independently plan and conduct experiments.

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with hydraulic/fluid systems, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and piping assemblies.
• Proficiency in using data acquisition systems and laboratory instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure sensors, flow meters, power quality analysis).
• Competence in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Solid understanding of heat transfer principles and fluid dynamics, with ability to apply theory to experimental design.
• Familiarity with electrical safety practices for test environments.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications and data analysis tools.

Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative R&D team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive approach to health and safety compliance.
• Proven ability to independently solve engineering problems and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Nice To Have

• Foundation Degree or BEng (Hons) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience with liquid cooling systems, thermal management, or HVAC/R technologies.
• Experience with programming languages (Python, Labview).
• Knowledge of CAD software (Creo Parametric or equivalent) for reviewing 3D models and assemblies.
• Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, particularly Oracle Product Development Cloud.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and Standard Work methodologies.
• IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate.
• 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) awareness.
• Experience working in a data centre or critical infrastructure environment.

About Us

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principles & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES:

• Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• High-Performance Culture
• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

VERTIV BEHAVIORS

• Own it
• Act with urgency
• Foster a customer-first mindset
• Think big and execute
• Lead by example
• Drive continuous improvement
• Learn and seek out development
• Promote transparent & open communication

About Vertiv

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers’ vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today’s data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extend from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 34,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [e-mail]