Thermal Application Engineer- Data Center

Ingersoll Rand; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Employee stock grant

Job summary

Ingersoll Rand seeks a Data Center Thermal Application Engineer to design, integrate, and deploy advanced cooling solutions for high-density data centers. You will collaborate with CDU, Dry Cooler, and fan-wall suppliers to create scalable, reliable cooling architectures and optimize energy usage.

You'll perform system-level thermal integration, run CFD-driven analyses, and support field deployment, installation, and commissioning while working across internal teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Engineering.
• 5+ years of data center cooling or HVAC experience.
• Experience with CDU/liquid cooling, Dry Cooler, or fan walls.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement system-level cooling architectures for high-density workloads.
• Evaluate airflow strategies and perform thermal calculations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to validate designs.
• Develop design guides and best practices for deployment.

Skills

Data center cooling

Thermal engineering

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

6SigmaDCX

ANSYS Icepak

FloTHERM

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Data Center Thermal Application Engineer to support the design, integration, and deployment of advanced cooling solutions in modern data centers. This role will play a critical part in enabling high‑density workloads (AI/ML, HPC) by working closely with Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU), Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler and Fan Array/Wall system suppliers to deliver efficient, scalable, and reliable cooling architectures. This position requires strong expertise in liquid cooling systems, airflow management, and system‑level thermal integration, along with the ability to collaborate with external partners and internal cross‑functional teams.

Thermal Solution Design & Integration

• Design and implement thermal solutions leveraging liquid cooling (CDUs, direct‑to‑chip) and high‑performance air‑cooling systems (Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler, fan walls/arrays)
• Define system‑level cooling architectures integrating CDU loops, facility water systems, and rack‑level cooling solutions
• Evaluate and optimise airflow strategies, including cold aisle/hot aisle containment and fan wall deployment
• Perform thermal calculations, system sizing, and redundancy planning

Supplier Collaboration & Technical Interface

• Act as the primary technical interface with CDU, Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler and fan array/wall system suppliers
• Review vendor designs, specifications, and performance data to ensure alignment with system requirements
• Drive joint engineering development, validation, and issue resolution with partners
• Coordinate integration testing, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT)

Application Engineering & Deployment Support

• Support site‑specific solution design by assessing customer requirements, heat loads, and facility constraints
• Provide technical guidance during installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Collaborate with field teams and customers to resolve thermal performance issues and optimise system operation
• Develop application notes, design guides, and best practices for deployment

Modeling, Validation & Optimization

• Use CFD and system modeling tools (e.g., 6SigmaDCX, ANSYS Icepak, FloTHERM) to validate thermal performance
• Analyse liquid flow characteristics, pressure drops, and heat exchanger performance
• Conduct lab and field validation, including thermal testing of CDU, Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler and airflow systems
• Continuously improve system efficiency, energy usage (PUE), and reliability

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and data center infrastructure teams
• Support procurement and quality teams in supplier selection and qualification
• Contribute to product development and roadmap planning for next‑generation cooling solutions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in data center cooling, thermal engineering, or HVAC systems
• Hands‑on experience with at least one of the following:
  • CDUs and liquid cooling systems (direct‑to‑chip, liquid loops)
  • Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler
  • Fan arrays/walls or large‑scale airflow systems
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and chilled water systems
• Experience working with external suppliers or OEM partners in a technical capacity
• Knowledge of ASHRAE TC9.9 guidelines and data center standards
• Strong communication skills with ability to work across internal teams and external vendors

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hyperscale or colocation data center environments
• Familiarity with AI/HPC high‑density rack (>30‑100kW+) cooling challenges
• Knowledge of controls and monitoring of CDU systems (BMS/DCIM integration)
• Experience in commissioning and field deployment of cooling systems
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or certifications in data center design (CDCDP/CDCS)
• Proficiency in CFD and thermal simulation tools

Skills & Competencies

• Strong program and project management capability
• Leadership and influence across matrixed organizations
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Risk management and problem‑solving
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• High attention to detail and execution discipline

Travel Requirements

• 25%-40% travel (project sites, factory inspections, FAT/SAT, customer reviews)

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits package including health care options, dental and vision coverage, wellness programs, life insurance, a robust 401(k) plan, paid time off, and employee stock grant

Ingersoll Rand is committed to achieving workforce diversity reflective of our communities. We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.