CFD Modeler

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity

We are enhancing our mechanical engineering and building performance analysis services by seeking a dedicated CFD Modeler specializing in data centers. You will help our clients evaluate design options, improve thermal performance, and de‑risk designs and operations through validated simulation and clear, actionable recommendations. Position responsibilities include:

Technical

• Build and maintain data center CFD models for interior (data halls, white space) and exterior (generators, fluid coolers) spaces. System types include both airside and waterside MEP equipment.
• Define and track boundary conditions such as the temperatures at equipment inlets and outlets, how air moves through the space, and how systems perform during outages.
• Choose the right methods for simulating airflow and generate accurate and reliable simulation models.
• Run steady‑state and targeted transient analyses for failure modes to see how the systems respond to different situations, such as equipment failures or changes in power.
• Perform parametric analyses on system options to find the best solutions for cooling and energy use.
• Prepare geometry from CAD/BIM (Revit/Navisworks/AutoCAD) and automate pre/post‑processing and reporting where practical.
• Proficient and able to coach/delegate building performance analysis activities, including benchmarking, system analysis, whole building performance modeling, detailed performance calculations, engineering economics, on-site audits, and creation and delivery of client-facing deliverables across building, portfolio, and district scales.

Documentation

• Communicate complex results to non‑technical audiences through clear visuals, annotated plots, and concise summaries.
• Develop brief technical memos and structured reports that translate findings into recommended design/operational changes and quantified impacts.
• Maintain model assumptions, version control, and reproducible workflows.

Coordination and Communication

• Participate in client meetings, milestone presentations, and design reviews; explain options, risks, trade‑offs, and decision implications.
• Work directly with mechanical, electrical, controls, and operations engineers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate across various internal engineering, construction, manufacturing, and operations groups at McKinstry.
• Create project work plans for large tasks or small projects to match effort to project scope and fees.
• Network and engage with local professional societies, seek opportunities to present work at conferences. 

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Architectural Engineering (or related field) with emphasis on fluid mechanics/heat transfer.
• 3–5 years of hands‑on CFD experience; at least 2 years in data centers or closely related thermal airflow domains; a total of eight (8) years of experience in a related field is preferred.
•  Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams.
• Strong understanding of airflow dynamics, heat transfer, HVAC principles.
• Proficiency in one or more tools: Cadence Reality DC/6SigmaRoom, Simcenter STAR‑CCM , Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar.
• Grounding in ASHRAE TC 9.9 thermal guidelines and containment strategies.
• Experience with high-density compute environments and various cooling topologies (aircooled, liquidcooled, containment).
• Experience with liquid cooling (rear‑door HXs, direct‑to‑chip) and associated control logic is preferred.
• Experience calibrating models to measured data and defining acceptance criteria based on KPIs.
• CAD/BIM experience (Revit/Navisworks/AutoCAD) and geometry cleanup/defeaturing.
• Experience in evaluating construction drawings required.
• Willingness and desire to mentor and teach CFD analysis to fellow team members.
• Parametric analysis, uncertainty quantification, and automated reporting templates.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE license.
• Software-specific training courses/certificates.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• “Building Good” paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details. 

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $95,310 - $147,915 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity. 

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.

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Salary : $95,310 - $147,915