Senior Fluid Dynamics Engineer - Cooling Distribution Units

Sr. Engineer Fluid Dynamics Engineering XI

We are seeking an experienced CDU – HX and Hydraulic SME to lead system-level design and engineering of Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs) used in data centre liquid cooling applications, with a strong focus on heat exchanger design, selection, and integration.
The candidate will be responsible for thermal-hydraulic design, heat exchanger sizing, system integration, testing support, and optimization of CDU products to meet high-reliability and high-density cooling requirements.

Key Skillsets

1. CDU System & Thermal Design Expertise

• Strong understanding of Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU) architecture for single-phase liquid cooling systems.
• Experience in system-level thermal and hydraulic design for liquid cooling applications.
• Ability to define cooling capacity, flow rates, temperature rise (ΔT), and redundancy philosophy (N+1 / 2N).
• Development of P&IDs, system schematics, and technical specifications for CDU subsystems.

2. Heat Exchanger Design & Engineering (Core Skill)

• Expertise in heat exchanger selection and thermal sizing, including:
  • Plate & Frame Heat Exchangers
  • Brazed Plate Heat Exchangers
  • Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers
• Proficiency in thermal design methodologies:
  • LMTD and NTU methods
  • Approach temperature optimization
  • Fouling factor considerations
• Ability to evaluate pressure drop vs thermal performance trade-offs.
• Material selection knowledge for heat exchangers (SS316L, copper, titanium, nickel-brazed, etc.) based on fluid chemistry and corrosion considerations.
• Experience reviewing vendor datasheets, GA drawings, and performance guarantees.

3. Hydraulic System & Pump Interface

• Strong understanding of hydronic system design and interaction between pumps and heat exchangers.
• Ability to define system pressure drop, flow distribution, and balancing strategy.
• Coordination with pump selection teams to ensure operation within efficient pump curves and NPSH limits.
• Understanding of bypass, mixing, and control valve strategies around heat exchangers.

4. Analysis & Engineering Tools

• Proficiency in thermal and hydraulic calculations using Excel or equivalent engineering tools.
• Understanding of system curve development and flow modeling.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools (AutoCAD / SolidWorks / Creo) for layout review and integration.

5. Controls & Instrumentation Interface

• Definition of temperature, pressure, and flow instrumentation around heat exchangers and CDU loops.
• Support control strategies for:
  • ΔT-based control
  • Flow modulation
  • Heat exchanger bypass operation
• Collaboration with controls teams for sensor placement and control logic validation.

6. Testing & Validation

• Support thermal performance testing of CDUs during prototype and production stages.
• Participation in FAT, SAT, and performance validation testing of heat exchangers and complete CDU systems.
• Ability to analyze test results and recommend design improvements or corrective actions.

7. Manufacturing, Quality & Vendor Interaction

• Support DFM/DFA activities for CDU skid and heat exchanger integration.
• Coordination with manufacturing teams to resolve packaging, serviceability, and maintenance constraints.
• Technical interaction with heat exchanger suppliers for design clarification and issue resolution.
• Support supplier quality and inspection activities as required.

8. Standards & Compliance

• Knowledge of ASHRAE guidelines for liquid cooling and data centers.
• Familiarity with applicable standards such as ASME, PED, TEMA, and AHRI (as applicable).
• Support documentation and compliance activities for customer and regulatory requirements.

Major Responsibilities

CDU System Design & Development – Lead system-level design of CDUs with focus on heat exchanger selection, pump selection, thermal sizing, and integration into liquid cooling loops.

Heat Exchanger Engineering – Perform thermal calculations, define specifications, review vendor designs, and ensure performance compliance.

System Integration – Ensure seamless integration of heat exchangers with pumps, piping, valves, sensors, and controls within CDU architecture.

Performance Analysis – Analyze thermal-hydraulic performance, pressure drop, and system efficiency; recommend design optimizations.

Testing & Validation – Support DVT, FAT, and system testing; troubleshoot thermal or flow-related issues.

Technical Collaboration – Work closely with electrical, controls, manufacturing, and quality teams throughout product development lifecycle.

Documentation & Compliance – Prepare design calculations, specifications, test reports, and support certification activities.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Good technical communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and global engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters/bachelor’s degree in mechanical/Thermal Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in piping design.
• Experience in data canter cooling, CDU, or chiller systems.

Experience Level

Senior Level