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 solutionsEvaluate and optimize airflow strategies, including cold aisle/hot aisle containment and fan wall deploymentPerform 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 suppliersReview vendor designs, specifications, and performance data to ensure alignment with system requirementsDrive joint engineering development, validation, and issue resolution with partnersCoordinate 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 constraintsProvide technical guidance during installation, commissioning, and troubleshootingCollaborate with field teams and customers to resolve thermal performance issues and optimize system operationDevelop 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 performanceAnalyze liquid flow characteristics, pressure drops, and heat exchanger performanceConduct lab and field validation, including thermal testing of CDU, Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry Cooler and airflow systemsContinuously improve system efficiency, energy usage (PUE), and reliability Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and data center infrastructure teamsSupport procurement and quality teams in supplier selection and qualificationContribute to product development and roadmap planning for next-generation cooling solutions Required Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering5+ years of experience in data center cooling, thermal engineering, or HVAC systemsHands-on experience with at least one of the following:CDUs and liquid cooling systems (direct-to-chip, liquid loops)Dry Cooler/Adiabatic Dry CoolerFan arrays/walls or large-scale airflow systemsStrong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and chilled water systemsExperience working with external suppliers or OEM partners in a technical capacityKnowledge of ASHRAE TC9.9 guidelines and data center standardsStrong communication skills with ability to work across internal teams and external vendorsPreferred Qualifications Experience with hyperscale or colocation data center environmentsFamiliarity with AI/HPC high-density rack (>30–100kW+) cooling challengesKnowledge of controls and monitoring of CDU systems (BMS/DCIM integration)Experience in commissioning and field deployment of cooling systemsProfessional 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 capabilityLeadership and influence across matrixed organizationsFinancial and commercial acumenRisk management and problem-solvingExcellent communication and stakeholder managementHigh 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 economyWork in a culture that values ownership, accountability, and continuous improvementCollaborate with a team committed to innovation, operational excellence, and customer successPlay 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.