CFD/Co-Simulation Engineer III

DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative solutions across various sectors. The Co-Simulation Engineer III will collaborate with senior design staff to develop multi-domain co-simulation and digital twin capabilities for data center design, focusing on computational fluid dynamics modeling and hydraulic network models.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate closely with design teams to define co-simulation objectives, key performance metrics, and acceptance criteria, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of project requirements
• Participate in discussions to define modeling prerequisites, collect necessary design and operational data, and establish appropriate assumptions and initial conditions for simulations
• Identify coupling strategies and model boundaries (1D network, 3D CFD, controls), anticipate challenges, and recommend modifications to design parameters or modeling approach to improve efficiency and fidelity
• Independently develop thermo-hydraulic (flow-network) models for chilled water and liquid cooling systems (pumps, valves, heat exchangers, CDUs, manifolds, cold plates)
• Build and maintain system-level models for steady-state and transient response, including redundancy/failure-mode scenarios and control logic impacts
• Develop co-simulation interfaces between 1D networks and 3D CFD/thermal models and manage data exchange, time steps, and convergence
• Perform pressure drop, flow balancing, and heat rejection analyses to validate design intent and support equipment selection and sizing
• Utilize hydraulic modeling tools such as Flownex (highly desired), Siemens Flomaster, Aspen HYSYS or equivalent, and maintain working knowledge of CFD tools (at least one) such as Cadence Reality DC Design, ANSYS Fluent and STAR-CCM+
• Create and curate simulation-ready system schematics, component libraries, and metadata to support reusable model assets and digital twin workflows
• Develop and/or review model setup including boundary conditions, solver settings, co-simulation time steps, and quality checks appropriate for the intended use case
• Review and/or prepare detailed co-simulation reports documenting assumptions, methodology, results, and actionable design recommendations
• Assist in developing proposals including modeling scope, schedule, and budget
• Conduct technical discussions with clients and internal stakeholders, presenting modeling findings, interpreting results, and providing engineering recommendations
• Timely and effective management of modeling tasks, including resource forecasting, coordination, and version control of model assets and scripts
• Perform QAQC peer reviews for co-simulation models where he or she is not the lead analyst
• Conduct rigorous validation and calibration of system/co-simulation results using analytical techniques and real-world data to ensure models are accurate and fit for purpose
• Collaborate with design, commissioning, and operations teams to collect and reconcile site data (BMS/SCADA, flow/temperature/pressure measurements) for model calibration
• Prepare validation and calibration reports comparing model predictions with measured data, documenting uncertainty, limitations, and performance envelopes
• Work with the CFD team and interact closely with the project management team to ensure alignment between system models, CFD models, and design intent
• Review and respond to technical queries related to modeling assumptions, co-simulation results, and design implications
• Review and complete validation checklists and documentation; contribute to modeling standards and continuous improvement initiatives
• Review and approve model updates based on validation findings and project changes
• Prepare project progress reports, issue logs, and model status updates for internal and external stakeholders
• Update and maintain model libraries, coupling scripts, and project documentation (assumptions log, revision history, RFI responses as applicable)
• Manage personal hours using company tools
• Leverage AI-enabled and digital tools to enhance efficiency, reduce manual effort, and support consistent, high-quality work output
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and demonstrate a continuous learning mindset, seeking out new technologies, skills, and methods that elevate individual and team performance
• Adapt to emerging technologies and evolving digital workflows, actively supporting the integration and adoption of innovative tools across the organization
• Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

Requirements:

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and hydraulics (pump/valve/pipe networks and control impacts)
• Strong knowledge of chilled water systems, including flow control, balancing, and operating envelopes
• Experience with hydraulic / flow-network tools (Flownex, Siemens Flomaster, Aspen HYSYS, or equivalent)
• Working knowledge of CFD tools for data center and equipment analysis (Cadence Reality DC Design, ANSYS Fluent, Siemens STAR-CCM+ or equivalent)
• Ability to interpret P&IDs and MEP design documents; familiarity with AutoCAD/Revit is a plus
• Familiarity with hyperscale data centers and liquid-cooled applications is a plus
• Programming skills (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and data analysis are a plus
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
• Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness, and resourcefulness in a distraction-free workspace
• Ability to interpret results and communicate well in writing and verbally to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports, and correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively directly with clients and at times serve as primary point of client contact
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision
• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously across concurrent modeling efforts
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering (or similar relevant engineering field) and five (5) years of experience in a consultancy setting
• OR
• Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering (or similar relevant engineering field) and two (2) years of experience in a consultancy setting