Lead Mechanical Engineer

Ecolab Inc. • Naperville, IL

32d • $104,700 - $157,100

About The Position

Join our data center engineering team to design and develop next-generation cooling and thermal management systems tailored for high-performance data center environments. This role focuses on mechanical design, component selection, system optimization, and ensuring manufacturability of advanced cooling equipment that meets the rigorous demands of modern data infrastructure.

Requirements

• Degree or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• BS and 6 years of experience; or MS and 4 years of experience; or PhD and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks and/or others).
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for structural and thermal simulations.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly.
• Experience in component selection and vendor engagement.
• Understanding of engineering materials, corrosion resistance, and material compatibility.
• Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Immigration Sponsorship not available for this role

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cooling system design, HVAC equipment, or thermal management technologies.
• Familiarity with data center infrastructure and operational requirements.
• Experience in pump and heat exchanger design and selection.
• Background in hydraulic system design and analysis.
• Experience with design optimization and cost reduction strategies.
• Understanding of reliability engineering and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and assemblies for cooling systems, including pumps, heat exchangers, piping networks, and structural frameworks.
• Perform detailed mechanical analyses such as stress, vibration, and thermal expansion evaluations.
• Select and specify mechanical components (e.g., pumps, valves, fittings, insulation) based on performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings using SolidWorks and other CAD tools.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production, assembly, and serviceability.
• Conduct design reviews and participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) processes.
• Support prototype development, including test fixture design and mechanical testing procedures.
• Perform fluid flow and pressure drop analyses for hydraulic performance optimization.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (ASME, ANSI, UL) and data center-specific requirements.
• Provide technical support to field installation teams, including design clarifications and troubleshooting.
• Continuously improve existing designs based on field feedback, cost reduction opportunities, and performance enhancements.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors for component sourcing and technical specifications.

Benefits

• Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits.
• If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees