
CFD Engineer
- Gauteng
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead and execute CFD simulations to analyse airflow distribution, temperature profiles, and pressure differentials for internal airflow (e.g. containment design, equipment thermal performance, rack heat load analysis).
- Conduct external CFD analysis to evaluate the effects of wind loading, HVAC exhaust recirculation, generator airflow, and environmental heat transfer.
- Interpret simulation results and provide data-backed design recommendations to optimize cooling strategies (e.g., hot aisle/cold aisle containment, CRAC/CRAH placement, perforated tile layouts).
- Liaise with Lead Design Engineers, MEP consultants, and architect to integrate CFD results into facility design basis of design documents.
- Interpret simulation results and provide recommendations to optimize cooling strategies (e.g., hot aisle/cold aisle containment, CRAC/CRAH placement, perforated tile layouts).
- Develop thermal models of existing and proposed data center layouts, considering equipment loads and airflow obstructions.
- Validate CFD results with on-site measurements (e.g., IR imaging, temperature sensors, airflow meters).
- Support capacity planning by evaluating thermal impacts of IT equipment deployment or infrastructure upgrades.
- Create technical documentation, simulation reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders and external clients.
- Ensure CFD simulations are aligned with ASHRAE thermal guidelines and company performance targets.
- Stay updated with the latest CFD tools, cooling technologies, and best practices in data center thermal management.
- Collaborate with Data Analytic and BMS team in developing energy efficiency report
- Maintain compliance in accordance with all relative policies and procedures
- Support the HR department in achieving the organization developmental plan deliverables within agreed timelines.
- Meet agreed inter-departmental OLA (Operational Level Agreement).
- H&S monitoring and corrective action to meet statutory compliance, SLAs and good business practice.
- Implement company and departmental policies, processes, and work instructions as per the agreed quality and timeline/ RFS.
- Develop working methods to reduce or maintain Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) levels.
- Task finalization and report accurately, as per agreed format, quality and within the agreed timelines
- Maintain ISO 14001 and 50001 certification, and drive action plans & reporting to achieve the objectives applicable to their respective site.
- Ensure compliance is maintained incorporating industry best practices
- Proficient in CFD pre-processing and meshing, solver setup, and post-processing analysis.
- Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cooling strategies in technical spaces
- Familiarity with data center infrastructure (IT racks, containment systems, raised floors, etc.).
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary engineering environments
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, mechanical, and electrical drawings
- Knowledge of South African codes, standards, and environmental compliance
- Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ASHRAE TC 9.9, Uptime Institute, TIA-942) is advantageous.
- Enthusiastic about continuous learning, especially around emerging cooling technologies and sustainable design
- Qualification Option 1: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Thermal Sciences, HVAC Engineering, or a related field or
- Qualification Option 2: Significant hands-on experience (5+ years) using Cadence CFD software or equivalent simulation tools in a design or consulting environment
- 3+ years of relevant experience in CFD modelling, preferably within data center environments.
- Strong working knowledge of CFD software such as Candence, ANSYS Fluent, 6SigmaDCX, Autodesk CFD, or similar platforms.
- Experience with data center cooling systems including DX cooling, chilled water, liquid cooling, in-row cooling, etc.