CFD Analyst – HVAC Airflow Design

Job Title: CFD Analyst – HVAC Airflow Design

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior CFD Analyst specializing in HVAC airflow design to lead complex simulation projects across commercial, industrial, and specialized environments (e.g., cleanrooms, data centers, healthcare facilities, transportation cabins). This role involves advanced modeling, cross-functional coordination, and strategic design input to optimize HVAC system performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in computational fluid dynamics and act as a technical leader and mentor within the team.

Key Responsibilities:

Advanced CFD Modeling & Technical Leadership:

• Lead the development, execution, and validation of CFD models focused on airflow, heat transfer, ventilation effectiveness, and contaminant control.

• Simulate and interpret complex HVAC scenarios, including displacement ventilation, stratified airflow, underfloor systems, and thermal plumes.

• Select and validate turbulence models, boundary conditions, and solver settings tailored to project-specific airflow dynamics.

Design Guidance & System Optimization:

• Collaborate with HVAC engineers, architects, sustainability consultants, and project managers to influence early-stage design decisions.

• Provide data-driven insights for optimizing air distribution, temperature zoning, and equipment layout to enhance comfort and energy efficiency.

• Ensure designs comply with ASHRAE, LEED, WELL, ISO cleanroom, and relevant building standards.

Project Execution & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Manage multiple simulation workstreams, ensuring timely delivery, accuracy, and client satisfaction.

• Present simulation results clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Act as the primary CFD technical contact for internal teams and external clients.

Mentorship & Innovation:

• Mentor and review work of junior and mid-level CFD analysts; establish internal standards for modeling and documentation.

• Stay up to date on CFD advancements, software capabilities, and HVAC technology trends; lead continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support proposal writing and contribute to the development of new service offerings or simulation capabilities.

Key Focus Areas:

• Complex CFD simulations of HVAC systems in advanced environments

• Thermal comfort, indoor air quality, contaminant dispersion, and energy use modeling

• Design consulting and cross-disciplinary collaboration

• Technical leadership, mentorship, and quality assurance

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline

• PhD in Fluid Dynamics or Thermofluids (preferred, but not required)

Experience:

• 7+ years of relevant experience in CFD modeling and analysis, with a focus on HVAC and built environments

• Proven track record in delivering complex simulation projects across commercial or mission-critical facilities

Technical Skills:

• Expert proficiency in CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM

• Advanced knowledge of meshing, turbulence modeling (RANS/LES), radiation modeling, and transient simulations

• Familiarity with environmental and mechanical codes (ASHRAE, ISO 14644, NFPA, LEED, etc.)

• Proficient in CAD, scripting (Python or MATLAB), and post-processing tools (ParaView, Tecplot, Ensight)

Soft Skills:

• Excellent technical communication and leadership skills

• Ability to translate complex simulation results into actionable design insights

• Strong project management, mentoring, and client-facing capabilities