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Consultant - Thermal Performance Engineer - Data Center Cooling & PUE Optimization

Broadstaff

FL(remote)

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Automation, Communication Skills, Consulting, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Data Modeling, Energy Efficiency, HVAC, Heat Exchanger, Identify Issues, Management Strategy, Mechanical Engineering, Network Operations Center, On Site Support, Operational Audit, Performance Analysis, Performance Engineering, Performance Management, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Professional Engineer, Property Management, Pumps, Risk, Startup, Strategic Analysis, System Operations, Systems Analysis, Telemetry, Thermal Analysis, Thermal Management, Thermal Sensor, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
FL
POSTED
2 days ago
Consultant - Thermal Performance Engineer – Data Center Cooling & PUE OptimizationLocation: Remote (U.S. preferred) with occasional travel Job Type: 1099 Consultant (Part-Time, Project-Based) Compensation: $100–$250+/hour (flexible based on experience)
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Thermal Performance Engineer / Mechanical Engineer to support a data center consulting practice focused on reducing PUE, optimizing cooling performance, and improving energy efficiency across mission-critical facilities.

This role will be responsible for analyzing cooling system performance, identifying inefficiencies, and helping design actionable improvements across HVAC and thermal management systems—while maintaining uptime and reliability.

Work is delivered in two phases:
  • Phase 1 (Remote): Cooling system data analysis and modeling
  • Phase 2 (On-Site): Physical audits and validation of thermal optimization strategies
Key ResponsibilitiesCooling System Analysis & Optimization (Primary)
  • Analyze operational data from data center cooling systems, including:
    • Chiller plants, cooling towers, pumps, and heat exchangers
    • CRAH/CRAC units and airflow distribution systems
    • Liquid cooling systems (CDUs, direct-to-chip, rear-door heat exchangers)
    • Environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, pressure differentials)
  • Identify inefficiencies contributing to excess cooling energy consumption
  • Evaluate:
    • Overcooling and temperature setpoint opportunities
    • Airflow inefficiencies and recirculation issues
    • Cooling redundancy vs. energy waste tradeoffs
  • Recommend improvements to reduce cooling-related energy usage (largest PUE driver)
Airflow & Thermal Modeling
  • Assess airflow management strategies, including:
    • Hot aisle / cold aisle containment effectiveness
    • Rack-level airflow behavior and bypass air issues
  • Utilize (or interpret outputs from) CFD modeling to:
    • Identify hotspots and thermal imbalances
    • Validate optimization strategies before on-site execution
BMS / Controls Analytics
  • Analyze Building Management System (BMS) and controls data
  • Identify control sequence inefficiencies or setpoint misalignments
  • Recommend control logic and automation improvements for dynamic optimization
Reporting & Client Deliverables
  • Develop clear, actionable reports outlining:
    • Cooling inefficiencies and root causes
    • Recommended improvements
    • Estimated impact on PUE and energy consumption
  • Support client discussions by translating complex thermal analysis into practical recommendations
On-Site Audit Support (Secondary)
  • Travel to data center sites (as needed) to:
    • Validate remote findings
    • Inspect cooling infrastructure and airflow management
    • Perform targeted assessments based on pre-identified opportunities
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 5–10 years of experience with mission-critical cooling systems (data centers strongly preferred)
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • Chiller plants and cooling towers
    • Pumps, heat exchangers, and HVAC systems
    • CRAH/CRAC units and data center airflow management
    • Liquid cooling technologies (CDUs, immersion, or direct-to-chip)
  • Experience working with BMS / controls systems and operational data analytics
  • Strong analytical and diagnostic skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) – Mechanical
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
  • ASHRAE certifications or deep familiarity with ASHRAE thermal guidelines
  • CFD modeling experience (direct or interpretive)
  • Data center cooling design or operations experience
Ideal Candidate Profile
  • Deep experience in data center cooling environments (colo or hyperscale)
  • Strong understanding of both mechanical systems and how they behave under real operating conditions
  • Analytical mindset with ability to translate telemetry into actionable insights
  • Comfortable in a consulting-style role (diagnose, recommend—not operate day-to-day)
  • Able to communicate clearly with clients when needed (“geek who can speak”)
  • Pragmatic, efficiency-focused, and comfortable working in a fast-moving startup environment
Engagement Details
  • Part-time consulting role (approx. 10–20 hours/week to start)
  • Flexible hours
  • Travel required for on-site audits (expenses covered)
  • Opportunity to expand involvement as additional client engagements are secured
What Success Looks Like
  • Identification of meaningful cooling optimization opportunities
  • Reduction in cooling-related energy consumption (30–40% of total load target area)
  • Practical, implementable recommendations that improve PUE without increasing risk
  • Contribution to repeatable frameworks for data center thermal optimization

About the Company

B

Broadstaff

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