Lead Engineer, Cooling Lab & Modeling

Aligned Data Centers, LLC; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous 401k match

Gympass membership

Competitive time off

Job summary

Aligned Data Centers, LLC seeks a Lead Systems Engineer to anchor the Advanced Cooling Lab, bridging thermal physics with hyperscale cooling infrastructure. You will oversee physical testing and develop virtual models to stress-test mechanical topologies before live deployment.

The role requires an advanced degree in mechanical/thermal sciences, expertise in heat transfer and fluid dynamics, and strong communication for client-facing demonstrations.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or closely related field.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cooling systems.
• Experience with system-level modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or Cadence.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily operations and safety protocols of the Advanced Cooling Lab.
• Lead virtual testing and calibration of thermal models using lab data.
• Collaborate with Platform Delivery and Site Operations on modifications and R&D.
• Present technical results during customer visits and demonstrations.

Skills

Heat transfer

Fluid dynamics

Modeling tools

Education

Master's or Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Sciences

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Cadence

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. The Lead Systems Engineer serves as the technical anchor and operational manager for Aligned’s Advanced Cooling Lab. This role bridges the gap between theoretical thermal physics and real-world hyperscale cooling infrastructure. The individual will oversee both the physical empirical testing of next-generation cooling technologies and the development of virtual system models. Functioning as both a lead researcher and a commercial ambassador, this individual translates complex thermodynamic data into actionable engineering mandates and client-facing demonstrations.

Core Responsibilities

• Physical Lab Operations & Empirical Testing: Direct the daily operations, safety protocols, and mechanical configuration of the Advanced Cooling Lab. Design and execute rigorous physical test plans for emerging data center cooling hardware and technologies.
• Digital Twin & System Modeling (HFSS): Lead the development, tuning, and execution of virtual simulation environments. Utilize real-world telemetry data and empirical lab results to calibrate predictive thermal and fluid dynamic models, allowing the department to mathematically stress-test proposed mechanical topologies prior to live deployment.
• Proactive Validation & Innovation: Partner with the Platform Delivery and Site Operations teams to reactively test proposed system modifications stemming from Incident RCAs and proactively conduct R&D on new cooling methodologies to maintain Aligned's market leadership.
• Executive & Client Demonstrations: Serve as the definitive technical face of the Advanced Cooling Lab during strategic customer visits. Lead live demonstrations and clearly articulate complex thermodynamic concepts, system resilience, and validation methodologies to existing and prospective hyperscale clients.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a closely related physical science discipline.
• Technical Expertise: Deep, specialized foundational knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and complex mechanical cooling systems (e.g., chiller plants, CDUs, heat exchangers).
• Simulation & Software Proficiency: Demonstrated professional or academic experience utilizing advanced system-level modeling and simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink, Cadence, or equivalent computational platforms.
• Strategic Communication: Exceptional verbal communication and presentation skills. Proven ability to translate highly technical modeling data into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences, ranging from field technicians to C-suite executives and external enterprise clients.

At Aligned Data Centers, not only do we celebrate success across our platform, we celebrate the very teams that drive and support that success! Our culture is founded in passion, engineered from innovation, and driven by the pursuit of operational excellence. We are a company dedicated to driving positive change in the industry through continuous data center innovation, diversity and inclusion, and corporate sustainability.

We realize not only is providing a comprehensive benefits package important, but we also provide a generous 401k match with immediate vesting, free membership to Gympass which provides our employees a rich health and wellness benefit and competitive time off plan. Giving back and having fun is important to our team whether it be serving our communities or employee and customer events. Our Aligned DNA is what makes us unique and successful! When you join Aligned, you’re joining a passionate and positive team where every voice matters.

• generous 401k match with immediate vesting
• free membership to Gympass which provides our employees a rich health and wellness benefit
• competitive time off plan

We are committed to fostering a diverse, gender-equal, and inclusive workforce, extending to our military veterans to whom we owe so much.