Mechanical Engineer - CFD (Data Center HVAC Design)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Ownership opportunities

Comprehensive benefits

Continuous learning culture

Job summary

SSOE in Scottsdale, AZ, is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer with a focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to support the design of HVAC systems for critical data centers. The role combines traditional mechanical design with advanced airflow modeling to ensure energy-efficient environments.

With a flexible work schedule and competitive salary ranging from $110k to $135k annually, SSOE offers ownership opportunities and comprehensive benefits to employees.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems including chillers and cooling strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed engineering designs, technical project plans, specifications, and drawings.
• Perform CFD simulations to analyze airflow and cooling effectiveness.
• Design and optimize HVAC systems including chillers and ductwork.

Skills

CFD modeling

Mechanical system design

HVAC systems knowledge

AutoCAD proficiency

Revit proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Cadence software

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Job Locations

• US-AZ-Scottsdale
• US-OH-Toledo
• US-MI-Troy
• US-OH-Columbus
• US-GA-Atlanta
• US-OR-Hillsboro
• US-TX-Austin
• US-TN-Nashville

Overview

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.

In this role, you will work closely with an integrated staff of in‑house engineering and architecture teams to ensure that critical projects meet and exceed industry standards from scope development to commissioning and start‑up. SSOE brings decades of experience in power‑intensive, high‑tech, and mission‑critical environments throughout North America.

Why Join SSOE and Elevate Your Career?

At SSOE, you'll work with amazing colleagues and be part of something big. We’ve consistently been named a "Great Place to Work" and are experiencing the most successful years in our history. In addition to industry‑leading salary compensation, you will be eligible to purchase shares in the company that have significantly outperformed S&P and Dow averages.

What We Offer

• 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.

Additional Perks

• Continuous Learning: A culture of perpetual learning where curiosity is celebrated, innovative ideas are welcomed, and career growth aspirations are fully supported.
• Career Stability: A diversity of market sectors, project types, and geographic locations helps insulate your career from economic ups and downs.
• Career Advancement: Structured career journey with abundant opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Holistic Compensation: A holistic approach to compensation and benefits that supports physical and mental health, encourages work‑life balance, and empowers career advancement and financial success.

SSOE – The Best of Both Worlds

Our growth trajectory allows us to offer the opportunities normally associated with a large firm while embracing the collaborative and supportive culture often found in smaller firms. As a member of the SSOE team, you’ll work on exciting and diverse projects for Fortune 100 clients around the globe, supported by top‑tier technology. You’ll experience a healthy balance, flexible working arrangements, direct access to leadership at all levels, and a continuous learning mindset. Once you experience the SSOE difference, you’ll understand why our metrics stand out:

• 28% of our employees have been with SSOE for 10 years or more.
• 15% of employees have tenure exceeding 15 years.
• 99% of our CEO’s approval rating on Glassdoor.
• 98% of our clients would recommend us to a colleague.

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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

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