Lead Engineer, Cooling Lab & Modeling

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The Lead Systems Engineer serves as the technical anchor and operational manager for Aligned’s Advanced Cooling Lab. This role bridges the gap between theoretical thermal physics and real-world hyperscale cooling infrastructure. The individual will oversee both the physical empirical testing of next-generation cooling technologies and the development of virtual system models. Functioning as both a lead researcher and a commercial ambassador, this individual translates complex thermodynamic data into actionable engineering mandates and client-facing demonstrations.

Core Responsibilities:

• Physical Lab Operations & Empirical Testing: Direct the daily operations, safety protocols, and mechanical configuration of the Advanced Cooling Lab. Design and execute rigorous physical test plans for emerging data center cooling hardware and technologies.
• Digital Twin & System Modeling (HFSS): Lead the development, tuning, and execution of virtual simulation environments. Utilize real-world telemetry data and empirical lab results to calibrate predictive thermal and fluid dynamic models, allowing the department to mathematically stress-test proposed mechanical topologies prior to live deployment.
• Proactive Validation & Innovation: Partner with the Platform Delivery and Site Operations teams to reactively test proposed system modifications stemming from Incident RCAs and proactively conduct R&D on new cooling methodologies to maintain Aligned's market leadership.
• Executive & Client Demonstrations: Serve as the definitive technical face of the Advanced Cooling Lab during strategic customer visits. Lead live demonstrations and clearly articulate complex thermodynamic concepts, system resilience, and validation methodologies to existing and prospective hyperscale clients.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a closely related physical science discipline.
• Technical Expertise: Deep, specialized foundational knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and complex mechanical cooling systems (e.g., chiller plants, CDUs, heat exchangers).
• Simulation & Software Proficiency: Demonstrated professional or academic experience utilizing advanced system-level modeling and simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink, Cadence, or equivalent computational platforms.
• Strategic Communication: Exceptional verbal communication and presentation skills. Proven ability to translate highly technical modeling data into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences, ranging from field technicians to C-suite executives and external enterprise clients.

At Aligned Data Centers, not only do we celebrate success across our platform, we celebrate the very teams that drive and support that success! Our culture is founded in passion, engineered from innovation, and driven by the pursuit of operational excellence. We are a company dedicated to driving positive change in the industry through continuous data center innovation, diversity and inclusion, and corporate sustainability.

We realize not only is providing a comprehensive benefits package important, but we also provide a generous 401k match with immediate vesting, free membership to Gympass which provides our employees a rich health and wellness benefit and competitive time off plan. Giving back and having fun is important to our team whether it be serving our communities or employee and customer events. Our Aligned DNA is what makes us unique and successful!