Airflow Modeler – Data Center Design

Arcadis • New York, NY

9h • $110,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Airflow Modeler works within Arcadis’s global Resilience business area, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model and analyze airflow, thermal performance, and environmental conditions inside data center facilities and across surrounding sites. The role includes internal simulations of data center white space and equipment rooms, as well as site-scale simulations for data center campuses and other mission-critical facilities.

The modeler evaluates airflow distribution, thermal behavior, wind flow, heat rejection, exhaust dispersion, outdoor-air intake exposure, and recirculation risks. They provide design recommendations, collaborate with architects and engineering teams, support operational troubleshooting, document and communicate findings, and keep current with CFD methods, software, and data center cooling technologies.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of post-graduate experience in CFD modeling, thermal analysis, or HVAC design, preferably for data centers, mission-critical facilities, or high-performance buildings, including practical experience with internal and external CFD studies.
• Solid understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, turbulence, and atmospheric or environmental flow principles.
• Knowledge of data center cooling technologies and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in the listed CFD platforms: ANSYS Fluent, Cadence Reality DC Design Pro (formerly 6SigmaDCX), STAR-CCM+, HELYX, SimScale, OpenFOAM, and FLOW-3D.
• Experience with geometry preparation, meshing, boundary-condition development, turbulence modeling, solution monitoring, verification, sensitivity analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Experience developing 3D geometry from engineering and architectural drawings and simplifying models in Rhino for CFD analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and project-management skills.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certifications.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating building aerodynamics, thermal or exhaust recirculation, plume dispersion, outdoor-air intake exposure, and equipment-yard performance for data center or mission-critical sites.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and automation.
• Familiarity with FLOW-3D is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, run, and analyze internal CFD simulations for data center white-space and equipment-room environments.
• Model airflow and thermal performance around server racks, containment systems, raised-floor or overhead air distribution, and cooling systems, including CRAC/CRAH units, direct-to-chip cooling, liquid-cooling support systems, and free-cooling arrangements.
• Evaluate supply and return airflow, rack inlet temperatures, hot-air recirculation, bypass airflow, pressure distribution, hot spots, and cooling-system effectiveness; recommend improvements to equipment layout, airflow management, and cooling performance.
• Develop, run, and analyze site-scale CFD simulations for data center campuses and other mission-critical facilities.
• Evaluate atmospheric wind flow around buildings, equipment-yard airflow, cooling-tower or dry-cooler heat rejection and recirculation, generator and other equipment exhaust dispersion, outdoor-air intake exposure, and the effects of adjacent buildings, terrain, screening, louvers, and site obstructions.
• Assess adverse wind directions and operating conditions, identify recirculation or plume-interaction risks, and recommend improvements to equipment placement, intake and discharge separation, screening, and site configuration.
• Conduct climate analysis and perform a Probability Risk Assessment study.
• Provide actionable recommendations to optimize airflow distribution, reduce hot spots, and enhance energy efficiency; collaborate with architects and engineers to integrate designs into construction projects and operational workflows.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, and HVAC engineers to align designs with performance and regulatory standards.
• Assist with troubleshooting airflow and thermal-management issues in existing facilities.
• Create reports, visualizations, and presentations communicating simulation findings and proposed solutions; maintain accurate records of modeling assumptions, methods, and outcomes.
• Stay current with CFD modeling techniques, software, and data center cooling technologies, and identify opportunities to incorporate emerging tools and methods.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k).
• Short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), AD&D, and life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Reward and recognition program.
• Optional wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.
• Nine paid holidays.
• 15 days of PTO accrued per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level