Thermal Application Engineer- Data Center

Job: Thermal Application Engineer- Data Center
Location: Junction City, OR; or West Chester, PA
  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.

Key Responsibilities

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 optimize 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 optimize 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
• Analyze 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)

 

Why Join Ingersoll Rand

• Be part of a high-growth, high-impact market powering the digital economy
• Work in a culture that values ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with a team committed to innovation, operational excellence, and customer success
• Play a critical role in securing strategic, multi-year platform wins that shape the future of mission-critical infrastructure

 

What We Value at Ingersoll Rand:

• We think and act like owners. We take accountability, bounce back from setbacks, and operate with a bias for action.
• We are bold in our aspirations. We tackle hard problems with confidence, humility, and integrity.
• We foster inspired teams. We embrace diverse perspectives and are committed to equity and inclusion.
• We are committed to making our customers successful. We aim to be connected for life, delivering essential and mission-critical solutions.

What We Offer

At Ingersoll Rand, we embrace a culture of personal ownership — taking responsibility for our company, our communities, and our environment, as well as our individual health and well-being. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to empower you with the tools and support necessary to take charge of your health, ensuring that together, we can continue to make life better. Our range of benefits includes health care options like medical and prescription plans, dental and vision coverage, as well as wellness programs. Additionally, we provide life insurance, a robust 401(k) plan, paid time off, and even an employee stock grant, among other offerings. These benefits are our commitment to you, so you can be your best at work and beyond.

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.