Senior Data Center Thermal Modeling Engineer

Amazon Web Services (AWS); Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Amazon Data Services, Inc. in Herndon, VA is seeking a Systems Modeling Mechanical Engineer to bridge physical infrastructure with virtual simulation.

You will create, maintain, and validate high-fidelity models of data center cooling systems and use these models to optimize performance and validate innovative designs before deployment. The role requires a Master’s in mechanical or thermal engineering, 6+ years in data center design/operations, and strong CFD and scripting skills.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mechanical or electrical systems design.
• Master’s in mechanical engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of data center design, construction, or operations with focus on thermal modeling.
• Deep proficiency in CFD software (e.g., Ansys Fluent, Cadence).
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for data analysis and automation.
• Hands-on validation with mechanical test fixtures, sensors, and DAQ.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain high-fidelity models of data center mechanical systems including cooling infrastructure and airflow.
• Develop and run CFD simulations to predict thermal performance and failure modes.
• Automate simulation workflows and What-if scenarios using Python or MATLAB.
• Lead pre-deployment validation of mechanical products such as rear-door heat exchangers and high-density racks.
• Design and execute Hardware-in-the-Loop lab testing to mirror Day 1 deployment conditions.
• Define and own Design Verification Plans and test procedures for prototype hardware.
• Perform Root Cause Analysis on design failures using simulation or lab data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate system performance and build business cases.

Skills

Mechanical/electrical systems design

Clear communication & reporting

Education

Master’s in mechanical or thermal engineering

Tools

Ansys Fluent

Cadence

Python

MATLAB

C++

Job description

Amazon Data Services, Inc. in Herndon, VA is seeking a Systems Modeling Mechanical Engineer to bridge physical infrastructure with virtual simulation.

You will create, maintain, and validate high-fidelity models of data center cooling systems and use these models to optimize performance and validate innovative designs before deployment. The role requires a Master’s in mechanical or thermal engineering, 6+ years in data center design/operations, and strong CFD and scripting skills.