Lead CFD Analyst (Mission Critical/Data Center)

WSP•Troy, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

WSP USA is seeking a Lead CFD Analyst to join their Data Centers Analytics team. This role involves serving as a technical leader, driving innovation in computational modeling, mentoring talent, and shaping best practices for advanced data center projects. The position offers the opportunity to be a subject matter expert and technical leader within the Data Centers Analytics practice, leading complex CFD studies, guiding project teams, advancing modeling capabilities, and establishing technical standards for quality and consistency.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
7+ years of experience applying Computational Fluid Dynamics in building systems, mission critical facilities, thermal management, or related fields.
Demonstrated expertise in: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Building Mechanical Systems, Airflow and Thermal Modeling.
Proven ability to independently lead complex engineering analyses and deliver high-quality results.
Experience reviewing technical work and providing guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting technical findings to clients and leadership.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of 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 simultaneously while maintaining high quality and meeting project schedules and client commitments.
Collaborate closely 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 initiatives 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 to expand organizational capabilities.
Champion the 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 a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning across the analytics team.
Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients by communicating complex engineering concepts 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 across existing and new client relationships.