CFD Engineer, Data Centers Remote (U.S.)

AECOM is seeking a hands-on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer to join its Data Center team in our Buildings and Places (BP) group in our Arlington VA office; however this position can be fully remote. This individual-contributor role is responsible for executing internal and external airflow thermal and equipment-discharge studies with minimal oversight. The successful candidate will convert complex simulation results into practical design actions clearly communicate assumptions and limitations and help establish repeatable high-quality CFD workflows across multiple concurrent projects.

This position offers the flexibility of a remote work schedule and can be based from a variety of locations in the US where AECOM has an office.

Although the position is primarily remote periodic travel may be required for client meetings key project milestones onsite collaboration sessions or other businesscritical activities. Travel is expected to be occasional and scheduled in advance

AECOM is a leader in the global data center consulting industry with robust teams in the Americas Europe Africa Asia and Australia.  In this role you will have the opportunity to work with our teams around the world on high-profile fast-paced data center projects for global clients.  This is a hands-on client-facing role with an opportunity for upward career mobility.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the full CFD study lifecycle: clarify the design question define scope and acceptance criteria develop the methodology build geometry generate the mesh establish boundary conditions solve verify convergence post-process results and issue technical reports.
• Perform internal data hall studies addressing rack inlet temperatures airflow distribution hot- and cold-aisle containment bypass and recirculation raised-floor or slab configurations cooling-unit placement rack density failure modes and capacity-expansion scenarios.
• Perform external studies for cooling towers chillers dry coolers generator and boiler exhaust mechanical yards relief air outdoor-air intakes heat rejection plume behavior short-circuiting and thermal re-entrainment.
• Conduct steady-state and transient analyses for cooling-system outages equipment failures load changes control sequences thermal ride-through and other operating scenarios defined by the project team.
• Develop defensible modeling assumptions using design documents equipment data controls narratives weather data commissioning information and field measurements; identify data gaps and document their impact on conclusions.
• Apply sound verification and validation practices including mesh-sensitivity checks mass and energy balance reviews convergence assessment comparison with hand calculations and correlation to measured or monitoring data when available.
• Evaluate results against project-specific criteria and relevant guidance including ASHRAE TC 9.9 thermal guidance and applicable client code and industry requirements.
• Translate findings into prioritized actionable recommendations for equipment selection airflow management containment intake/exhaust separation controls phasing redundancy and operational resilience.
• Prepare concise client-ready reports and visualizations that clearly communicate methodology assumptions scenarios results risks limitations and recommended next steps.
• Present findings and coordinate directly with multidisciplinary project teams to resolve issues and confirm implementation of recommendations.
• Contribute to standardized templates modeling procedures quality-control checklists libraries and lessons learned; support technical knowledge sharing and mentoring of less-experienced staff.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 6 years of hands-on CFD experience including direct application to data centers mission-critical facilities or similarly complex thermal-management environments.
• Proficiency with at least one data-center or general-purpose CFD platform such as Cadence 6SigmaDCX Ansys Fluent Ansys CFX or OpenFOAM and the ability to learn and apply project-required tools.
• Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics heat transfer thermodynamics turbulence modeling and HVAC system operation.
• Experience modeling both internal environments such as IT spaces and containment systems and external environments such as mechanical yards cooling equipment intakes and exhaust discharges.
• Working knowledge of data center cooling architectures HVAC systems redundancy concepts controls and failure scenarios and common thermal performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Experience with US codes and standards.
• Demonstrated success independently delivering CFD studies from scoping through final report including geometry preparation meshing solver setup convergence assessment post-processing and engineering interpretation.
• Ability to develop appropriate boundary conditions from design information and equipment performance data and to explain the sensitivity of results to key assumptions.
• Strong technical writing visualization and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex results to engineering teams project managers and clients.

Additional Information :

Additional Information: 

• Relocation is not available for this role
• Sponsorship for U.S. employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
• THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS  POSITION BY JANUARY 9 2027

At AECOM we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at . 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

Yes

Employment Type :

Full-time