Data Center CFD Analyst, Lead Consultant

WSP • Troy, NY

2d

About The Position

WSP USA is seeking a Lead CFD Analyst for its growing Data Centers Analytics team. The role serves as a technical leader and subject matter expert, leading complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies, guiding project teams, advancing modeling capabilities, and establishing technical standards for data center and other mission-critical projects. The role may be based in New York, NY; Troy, NY; Atlanta, GA; Milwaukee, WI; Tempe, AZ; or Herndon, VA.

The Lead CFD Analyst leads analyses involving indoor airflow, thermal management, cooling optimization, contaminant dispersion, condensation control, and outdoor airflow. The position provides technical reviews and QA/QC oversight, develops modeling standards and workflows, and manages multiple studies while coordinating with multidisciplinary design teams and project managers.

The role also advances CFD processes through automation, scripting, tool development, software evaluation, digital engineering, AI-assisted workflows, and advanced analytics. It includes mentoring and training junior analysts, supporting knowledge-sharing and onboarding, communicating technical findings to clients, leading presentations and workshops, and contributing to proposals and business development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 7 years of experience applying CFD in building systems, mission-critical facilities, thermal management, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in CFD, thermodynamics, heat transfer, building mechanical systems, and airflow and thermal modeling.
• Ability to independently lead complex engineering analyses and deliver high-quality results.
• Experience reviewing technical work and guiding multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting technical findings to clients and leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with one or more CFD platforms: STAR-CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, FDS, or RealityDC.
• Experience developing custom models and User Defined Functions (UDFs).
• Proficiency with programming and automation tools including Python, C++, or Java.
• Experience leading technical teams, mentoring staff, or managing technical experts in a corporate environment.
• Experience supporting mission-critical, data center, industrial, or large-scale commercial projects.
• Understanding and incorporation of good business practices, including KPIs, lessons learned, and evolving corporate goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced CFD analyses for mission-critical facilities, including indoor airflow, thermal management, cooling optimization, contaminant dispersion, condensation control, and outdoor airflow studies.
• Serve as the technical authority for CFD methodologies, modeling assumptions, simulation quality, and interpretation of results.
• Lead technical reviews and provide QA/QC oversight for CFD studies completed by other analysts.
• Develop and implement CFD standards, best practices, workflows, and documentation to improve consistency and modeling efficiency.
• Manage multiple CFD studies while maintaining quality and meeting schedules and client commitments.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, architectural, structural, and project management teams throughout project delivery.
• Provide technical direction during project kickoff meetings and critical design milestones.
• Support project managers in defining CFD scope, schedules, resource requirements, and technical deliverables.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation, scripting, template development, and workflow optimization.
• Lead development of internally developed CFD tools and software enhancements.
• Evaluate emerging CFD technologies, software platforms, and industry research.
• Promote integration of digital engineering, AI-assisted workflows, and advanced analytics into CFD processes.
• Mentor and train junior CFD analysts through technical guidance, coaching, and project support.
• Assist in developing onboarding materials, technical training programs, and CFD knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Foster technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning across the analytics team.
• Communicate complex engineering concepts to clients in a clear and actionable manner.
• Lead client presentations, technical workshops, and CFD results reviews.
• Support proposal development, technical pursuits, and strategic client engagements.
• Help identify opportunities to expand CFD and analytics services with existing and new clients.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Disability and life insurance
• Retirement savings
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation or other personal time
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and attendance at naturalization proceedings

What This Job Offers

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