Mechanical Engineer – CFD (Data Center HVAC Design)

SSOE Group; Scottsdale (AZ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/remote work

Competitive salary

Bonus program

Ownership opportunities

Comprehensive benefits

Career growth

Continuous learning

Job summary

SSOE Group is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a strong CFD focus to design and optimize HVAC systems for mission-critical data centers, combining airflow modeling with traditional mechanical design to ensure high-performance and energy efficiency.

The role requires 8+ years in mechanical/HVAC design, CFD experience with Cadence, and proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit; PE is a plus. We offer hybrid/remote work, a competitive salary of $110k–$135k, bonus eligibility, and ownership opportunities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in mechanical/HVAC design, preferably in data centers or mission-critical facilities.
• Hands-on CFD modeling with Cadence software.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems including chillers, air distribution, and controls.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE guidelines applicable to data centers.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed engineering designs, technical plans, specifications, drawings, and 3D models.
• Perform CFD simulations to analyze airflow, temperature distribution, and cooling effectiveness in data centers.
• Design and optimize HVAC systems including CRAH/CRAC units, chillers, and containment systems.
• Conduct cooling load analysis, airflow distribution, and energy efficiency studies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems into coordinated designs.
• Support site visits, RFIs, submittals, and commissioning activities.

Skills

CFD analysis

HVAC design

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Cadence CFD

AutoCAD

Revit

Navisworks

PIPE-FLO

Job description

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.

Benefits

• A hybrid or fully remote work schedule option for this role, providing flexibility to achieve work‑life balance while excelling in your career.
• Competitive Salary: $110k - $135k per 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.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement savings plan (with company matching), professional development and training, generous PTO, and paid holidays.
• 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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET‑accredited) or a 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 AutoCAD 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.