CFD Analyst – HVAC Airflow Design

Job Title: CFD Analyst – HVAC Airflow Design

Job Summary:

We are looking for a skilled CFD Analyst with a focus on HVAC airflow and thermal comfort design to perform advanced simulations and contribute to the optimization of ventilation systems across commercial, industrial, or specialty environments (e.g., cleanrooms, data centers, hospitals). This role is ideal for engineers with practical CFD experience who can work independently on simulation projects and support HVAC design teams with actionable insights for system efficiency and occupant comfort.

Key Responsibilities:

CFD Modeling & Analysis:

• Develop, run, and validate CFD models for HVAC airflow and heat transfer applications using tools like ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM.

• Simulate airflow distribution, temperature gradients, pressure drops, and contaminant dispersion for various building layouts and HVAC configurations.

• Analyze the impact of diffuser placement, ventilation rates, duct geometry, and thermal loads on system performance.

Design Collaboration & Optimization:

• Work closely with HVAC designers, MEP engineers, and architects to improve airflow efficiency and thermal comfort through simulation-driven design.

• Recommend design modifications based on simulation insights to meet ASHRAE, LEED, WELL, and other performance standards.

• Support the development of innovative solutions for challenging airflow scenarios in enclosed or mission-critical spaces.

Project Execution & Documentation:

• Lead simulation tasks within project schedules and budgets; coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure deliverable quality.

• Generate technical reports, design briefs, and visualizations that clearly communicate simulation findings and recommendations.

• Ensure model accuracy by integrating real-world boundary conditions and validating results against empirical data when available.

Mentorship & Continuous Learning:

• Support junior engineers by reviewing models, advising on solver settings, and sharing best practices.

• Stay current with advancements in CFD tools, meshing techniques, and HVAC simulation methodologies.

Key Focus Areas:

• Advanced CFD simulation for HVAC design and troubleshooting

• Ventilation efficiency, thermal comfort, and contaminant control

• Design optimization through fluid flow and thermal analysis

• Technical documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Experience:

• 3–6 years of professional experience in CFD simulation with a strong focus on HVAC or building environmental systems

• Demonstrated experience working on real-world airflow and thermal comfort studies in commercial or industrial projects

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, SimScale, or equivalent)

• Strong understanding of HVAC principles, psychrometrics, and ASHRAE standards

• Experience with meshing (structured/unstructured), turbulence models, and heat transfer simulation

• Proficient in CAD and pre/post-processing tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS Meshing, ParaView, Tecplot)

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and presentation abilities for technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Problem-solving mindset with attention to accuracy and detail

• Ability to manage multiple simulation tasks in a collaborative environment