3D Design Engineer - Data Center

Kforce Inc

Job Summary

Kforce is seeking a 3D Design Engineer to lead the mechanical architecture of next-generation, liquid-cooled data center infrastructure in Fremont, CA. This role involves owning the mechanical design lifecycle from digital modeling and simulation to final documentation for server-rack and data-hall scale systems. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in advanced CAD modeling, intricate liquid-cooling system design, and seamless integration of electrical components like power shelves, BBUs, and busbars, ensuring optimized system performance and adherence to industry standards.

Must Have

  • Own end-to-end mechanical design of 3D assemblies (rack structures, cooling manifolds, fluid connectors).
  • Ensure seamless integration of electrical components (power shelves, busbars, BBUs).
  • Architect and validate high-performance liquid-cooling systems (CDMs), optimizing flow, thermal performance, material compatibility.
  • Leverage advanced simulation (CFD for thermal, FEA for structural integrity).
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration with hardware, electrical, and facilities teams.
  • Produce comprehensive design documentation (3D models, 2D drawings, BOMs, simulation reports).
  • Lead design review, ensure adherence to OCP, ASHRAE, EIA standards.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • 4+ years professional experience in mechanical design for data center/HPC.
  • Proficiency with major 3D CAD platform (SolidWorks, CATIA).
  • Expertise in simulation tools (CFD, FEA).
  • Knowledge of data center subsystems, liquid-cooling loops, high-power electrical components.
  • Understanding of OCP, ASHRAE, EIA industry standards.
  • Exceptional communication skills and ability to lead technical projects.

Good to Have

  • Proven track record delivering mechanical designs for hyperscale or AI-focused data centers.
  • Direct experience developing and utilizing digital-twin models.
  • Experience with BIM/Revit for facility model integration.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating rack-level thermal optimization or modular cooling solutions design.

Perks & Benefits

  • Medical/dental/vision insurance
  • HSA
  • FSA
  • 401(k)
  • Life, disability & ADD insurance
  • Paid time off (for salaried personnel)
  • Paid sick leave (for hourly employees on Service Contract Act project)

Job Description

Kforce has a client in Fremont, CA that is seeking a 3D Design Engineer to drive the mechanical architecture of next-generation, liquid-cooled data center infrastructure. This role commands ownership over the mechanical design lifecycle, from digital modeling and simulation to final documentation, for systems at both the server-rack and data-hall scale. The ideal candidate will bring a robust portfolio of experience in advanced CAD modeling, intricate liquid-cooling system design, and seamless integration of electrical components like power shelves, BBUs, and busbars.

Duties:

  • Own the end-to-end mechanical design of 3D assemblies, including rack structures, cooling manifolds, and fluid connectors, while ensuring the seamless integration of electrical components such as power shelves, busbars, and BBUs
  • Architect and validate high-performance liquid-cooling systems (e.g., CDMs), optimizing for flow efficiency, thermal performance, and material compatibility
  • Leverage advanced simulation to validate system performance by developing comprehensive digital-twin models, performing CFD analysis for thermal management, and conducting FEA to ensure structural integrity under operational loads
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration with hardware, electrical, and facilities teams to achieve a fully integrated and optimized system design
  • Produce comprehensive design documentation, including detailed 3D models, 2D fabrication drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and simulation reports
  • Lead the design review process and ensure all mechanical systems adhere to key industry standards (OCP, ASHRAE, EIA) throughout the entire product development lifecycle

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
  • 4+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, specifically for data center or high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure
  • Proficiency with a major 3D CAD platform (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) for designing complex mechanical assemblies
  • Demonstrated expertise in applying simulation tools to validate designs, including CFD for thermal analysis (e.g., Cadence/Future Facilities) and FEA for structural and thermal stress evaluation
  • Comprehensive knowledge of data center subsystems, including the design and integration of liquid-cooling loops (CDMs, manifolds, connectors) and high-power electrical components (busbars, power shelves, BBUs)
  • Understanding of relevant industry standards (OCP, ASHRAE, EIA) and a proven ability to incorporate them into design practices
  • Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to lead technical projects and drive alignment across multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A proven track record of delivering complete mechanical designs for hyperscale or AI-focused data centers, from concept through to deployment
  • Direct experience developing and utilizing digital-twin models for system-level simulation and analysis
  • Experience with BIM/Revit for integrating mechanical designs into large-scale facility models
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating success in rack-level thermal optimization or the design of modular cooling solutions

8 Skills Required For This Role

Cross Functional Communication 3d Modeling Cad Computer Aided Design Game Texts Cross Functional Collaboration Mechanical Design System Design

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