R&D Associate - Data Center Thermal Management

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an R&D Associate focused on data center thermal management technologies. This role sits in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group, within the Thermal Systems Science Section, and reports to the Energy Science and Technology Directorate in Oak Ridge, TN.

The ideal candidate will design and perform experiments, analyze results, publish scholarly work, and collaborate with lab scientists while upholding ORNL's safety and ethics commitments.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• At least 2 years of data center thermal management research experience.
• Ability to adapt to evolving research scope and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and conduct experiments on data center thermal management technologies.
• Analyze experimental data and publish results in peer‑reviewed venues.
• Collaborate with scientists to maintain high productivity and standards.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and quality programs.
• Support ORNL’s values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

Communication

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CFD tools

Analytical modelling

Data center cooling

Job description

Overview:

We are seeking an R&D Associate who will focus on data center thermal management technologies. This position resides in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group in the Thermal Systems Science Section, Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Designing, developing, and conducting experiments related to data center thermal management technologies, phase change heat transfer processes, dehumidification systems, heat exchangers, and related systems.
• Analyzing experimental data.
• Publishing research in leading peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Collaborating with domain scientists and others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• Ensuring compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintaining a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• 2 years of experience in data center thermal management analytical, modeling, and/or experimental research and development.
• Flexibility to adapt evolving research scope and programmatic needs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in experimental systems related to heat and mass transfer systems.
• Knowledge of CFD tools and analytical modelling is preferred.
• Experience with data center cooling system design is preferred.

• Security, Credentialing and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.