[Hiring] Thermal Systems Lead Engineer - Mechanical Loop @trane technologies

Role Description

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world.

Where is the work: Virtual

The Thermal Systems Lead Engineer; Mechanical Loop will own the facility-side thermal infrastructure that supports the data center's IT load. This role focuses on the "mechanical loop," including chillers, dry-coolers, thermal storage, pumps, and heat rejection equipment. You will be responsible for creating highly efficient, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that integrate seamlessly with the technical loop to provide a complete thermal management solution.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Lead the development of multi-generational system roadmaps for the mechanical loop, focusing on AI data centers of varying scales.
• Serve as an internal expert on advanced cooling and heat rejection technologies including thermal and the application of these system technologies into system architecture design.
• Collaborate with partners like NVIDIA to ensure thermal solutions meet future chip architecture requirements (e.g., DSX2 and beyond).
• Translate customer requirements into detailed technical specifications for equipment and controls teams.
• Own the mechanical loop thermal management system design within current and future reference design architecture.
• Drive innovation by evaluating and integrating new cooling technologies and components into our system reference designs.
• Work with the Sustainable Design Lead to set and achieve sustainability targets (PUE, WUE) for mechanical systems.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and technical guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional team members, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
• Represent the company in industry standards bodies like ASHRAE and the Open Compute Project (OCP) to influence future data center design.
• Overnight travel 5 – 15% depending on assigned projects, some international travel is possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of engineering experience, with relevant current focus on thermal system management on data center cooling.
• Proven experience in designing mechanical cooling systems for mission critical facilities, preferably data centers.
• In-depth knowledge of chiller plants, pumping systems, cooling towers, and air handling systems.
• Strong ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment serving mission critical customers.

Requirements

• Engineering background in data center/high-tech design is required.
• Experience with PLC controls is a plus.
• Experience with onsite power generation and/or backup power distribution is a plus.
• Knowledge of HVAC products, components, and systems is desired.
• Strong thermal/fluid energy and/or controls background is a plus.
• Strong technical skills with a natural curiosity and enthusiasm to learn and develop new skills.
• Technically creative yet grounded in real world feasibility.
• Able to perform thorough and objective analysis.
• Able to collaborate with and influence others.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Willing and able to transfer knowledge to other groups.
• Good stand-up skills in front of customers and the field sales force.
• Polished and professional, particularly with customers and in professional societies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Can effectively identify key ideas and develop organized content to share those ideas across a diverse stakeholder group.
• Ability to speak and write in English.
• Able to effectively use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Benefits

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
• Paid time off includes 15 vacation days, 9 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.