Senior Data Center Thermal Architect (Liquid Cooling)

A.O. Smith; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A. O. Smith is seeking a senior mechanical engineer to lead data center thermal management initiatives, focusing on liquid cooling, heat rejection, and thermal storage.

The role spans concept through validation, with hands-on lab work and cross-functional collaboration. Travel up to 20–25% may be required. Required: MS in Mechanical Engineering or related thermal sciences; 5+ years in thermal systems or data center cooling; strong analytical and software skills (MATLAB, Python, CFD/FEA).

Qualifications

• MS in Mechanical Engineering or related thermal sciences; PhD preferred.
• 5+ years in thermal systems, HVAC/R, data center cooling, or related development.
• Strong understanding of data center thermal management.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, CFD/FEA, and data analysis.
• Ability to design and validate liquid cooling test loops.

Responsibilities

• Lead senior-level engineering projects focused on data center thermal management, from concept definition through validation and implementation.
• Serve as the technical lead on data center cooling architectures, including air cooling, direct-to-chip liquid cooling, immersion cooling, and facility water systems.
• Assess opportunities for A. O. Smith technologies in data center heat reuse, thermal storage, hot water generation, water treatment interfaces, and related applications.
• Prototype, simulate, and validate thermal management solutions in lab and real-world environments; generate validation data for system models.
• Coordinate activities of engineers, technicians, prototype shop resources, suppliers, and external collaborators for concept demonstrations.
• Mentor engineering design team members on data center thermal fundamentals, liquid cooling trends, heat reuse, and model-informed design workflows.
• Conduct project meetings and prepare status reports for internal stakeholders.
• Document innovations through patents, technical reports, publications, and trade secrets.
• Monitor emerging technologies in data center cooling, HVAC/R, heat transfer, thermal storage, controls, and sustainability; engage with industry groups (ASHRAE, ASME, OCP).
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Skills

Thermal management

Data center cooling

Liquid cooling

Heat transfer

Hydronics

Matlab

Python

CFD/FEA

LabVIEW

Uncertainty quantification

Experimental testing

Project leadership

Data acquisition

Education

MS in Mechanical Engineering or related thermal sciences

PhD preferred

Tools

CDUs

Cold plates

Heat exchangers

Dry coolers

Chillers

Pumps

Valves

Controls

Water treatment interfaces

Job description

A. O. Smith is seeking a senior mechanical engineer to lead data center thermal management initiatives, focusing on liquid cooling, heat rejection, and thermal storage.

The role spans concept through validation, with hands-on lab work and cross-functional collaboration. Travel up to 20–25% may be required. Required: MS in Mechanical Engineering or related thermal sciences; 5+ years in thermal systems or data center cooling; strong analytical and software skills (MATLAB, Python, CFD/FEA).