Co-Simulation Engineer III
About the role
As a Co-Simulation Engineer III, you will collaborate with senior design staff to develop multi-domain co-simulation and digital twin capabilities for data center design and construction. This role includes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of data centers and their internal and external environments. You will work closely with the Engineering and Project Management Teams to produce hydraulic network models, CFD models, digital twin applications, and QC design specifications through engineering modeling. This position operates with limited direction on day-to-day tasks and general instruction on new projects, executing and assisting on projects of complex scope independently or under limited supervision.
Responsibilities
- Co-Simulation Planning and Requirements Definition (10%)
- Coordinate with design teams to define co-simulation objectives, key performance metrics, and acceptance criteria.
- Define modeling prerequisites, collect design and operational data, and establish assumptions and initial conditions for simulations.
- Identify coupling strategies and model boundaries (1D network, 3D CFD, controls), anticipate challenges, and recommend modifications to improve efficiency and fidelity.
- Develop and Integrate Multi-Domain Co-Simulation Models (60%)
- Develop thermo-hydraulic (flow-network) models for chilled water and liquid cooling systems (pumps, valves, heat exchangers, CDUs, manifolds, cold plates).
- Build and maintain system-level models for steady-state and transient response, including redundancy/failure-mode scenarios and control logic impacts.
- Develop co-simulation interfaces between 1D networks and 3D CFD/thermal models and manage data exchange, time steps, and convergence.
- Perform pressure drop, flow balancing, and heat rejection analyses to validate design intent and support equipment selection and sizing.
- Utilize hydraulic modeling tools such as Flownex (highly desired), Siemens Flomaster, Aspen HYSYS, or equivalent, and maintain working knowledge of CFD tools (e.g., Cadence Reality DC Design, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+).
- Create and curate simulation-ready system schematics, component libraries, and metadata to support reusable model assets and digital twin workflows.
- Develop and/or review model setup including boundary conditions, solver settings, co-simulation time steps, and quality checks.
- Prepare detailed co-simulation reports documenting assumptions, methodology, results, and actionable design recommendations.
- Assist in developing proposals including modeling scope, schedule, and budget.
- Conduct technical discussions with clients and internal stakeholders, presenting modeling findings and providing engineering recommendations.
- Manage modeling tasks, including resource forecasting, coordination, and version control of model assets and scripts.
- Perform QAQC peer reviews for co-simulation models where you are not the lead analyst.
- Guide and Direct Validation, Calibration, and Commissioning Support (20%)
- Conduct validation and calibration of system/co-simulation results using analytical techniques and real-world data.
- Collaborate with design, commissioning, and operations teams to collect and reconcile site data (BMS/SCADA, flow/temperature/pressure measurements) for model calibration.
- Prepare validation and calibration reports comparing model predictions with measured data, documenting uncertainty, limitations, and performance envelopes.
- Work with the CFD team and project management to ensure alignment between system models, CFD models, and design intent.
- Review and respond to technical queries related to modeling assumptions, co-simulation results, and design implications.
- Review and complete validation checklists and documentation; contribute to modeling standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Review and approve model updates based on validation findings and project changes.
- Reporting (10%)
- Prepare project progress reports, issue logs, and model status updates for internal and external stakeholders.
- Update and maintain model libraries, coupling scripts, and project documentation (assumptions log, revision history, RFI responses).
- Manage personal hours using company tools.
- Technology, Digital Tools & AI-Enabled Efficiency
- Leverage AI-enabled and digital tools to enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and demonstrate a continuous learning mindset.
- Adapt to emerging technologies and evolving digital workflows, supporting their integration across the organization.
- Complete assigned tasks and deliverables on time and on budget.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and hydraulics (pump/valve/pipe networks and control impacts).
- Strong knowledge of chilled water systems, including flow control, balancing, and operating envelopes.
- Experience with hydraulic/flow-network tools (Flownex, Siemens Flomaster, Aspen HYSYS, or equivalent).
- Working knowledge of CFD tools for data center and equipment analysis (Cadence Reality DC Design, ANSYS Fluent, Siemens STAR-CCM+, or equivalent).
- Ability to interpret P&IDs and MEP design documents; familiarity with AutoCAD/Revit is a plus.
- Familiarity with hyperscale data centers and liquid-cooled applications is a plus.
- Programming skills (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and data analysis are a plus.
- Skilled in using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) with exceptional organizational skills for file management.
- Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication, self-motivation, and resourcefulness.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to follow company and site safety requirements.
- Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports, and correspondence.
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients and serve as a primary point of contact when needed.
- Ability to work successfully as a team member and independently with moderate supervision.
- Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously across concurrent modeling efforts.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or similar relevant engineering field) and five (5) years of experience in a consultancy setting.
- OR Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering (or similar relevant engineering field) and two (2) years of experience in a consultancy setting.
Physical Demands
- Frequently required to remain in a stationary position.
- Frequently moving through office, facility, and other environments.
- On occasion, may move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Travel / Relocation Requirements
Approximately 10% travel, which may include any or all 50 US states. Travel involves physically leaving home for business activities such as client sites, meetings, business development, industry conferences, etc.
Benefits
- Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP with HSA option).
- Flex spending accounts (FSA).
- Dental and vision plans.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits extended to spouse/domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26.
- 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option.
- PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year.
- Company-paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage.
- Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and professional licensing assistance.
- Paid parental leave after one year of employment.
Pay
The pay range for this role is $104,738 - $130,502 USD per year (Remote, United States).