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Principal Engineer, Data Center Thermal Management

UL Solutions
7 days ago
On-site
Northbrook, Illinois, United States
$155,000 - $175,000 USD yearly
Thermography (Thermal Imaging)
Description
  • Serves as Regional or Global SME for multiple technologies.
  • Serves as representative on standards committees.
  • Publishes articles related to technical expertise.
  • Studies and understands test standards, testing technology, and regulations for scope of responsibility.
  • Takes on role as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for standards, industry, and/or test capability.
  • May represent UL at industry related functions such as seminars, trade shows or standards committees.
  • Manages or develops new standard programs and capabilities for region or globally.
  • Has detailed understanding of test techniques, procedures, and equipment.
  • Performs complex test procedures when necessary.
  • Provides training to staff when necessary.
  • Follows up on contacts from clients and communicates technical issues, Test Standard explanations, certification requirements and UL procedures and requirements.
  • Acts to address client concerns and resolve issues for a region or global office.
  • Drives for consistency and enhanced quality in area of expertise.
  • Within their region, or for the wider organization, operates and maintains test equipment appropriately to measure and test customer samples.
  • Performs maintenance on designated test equipment and laboratory area.
  • May perform calibration of test equipment.
  • Integrates continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job for a region or global office.
  • Manages and reviews related internal documents for accuracy.
  • Develops special test methods and test equipment for new standards, test requirements, or improved efficiency, when needed.
  • Likely to support the business externally through travelling to meetings at client sites, attendance at industry related events and other meetings.
  • Read and follow the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and follow all physical and digital security practices.
  • Performs other duties as directed.


Responsibilities
A. Boundary Architect (Regulatory & Standards)
  • Hazard Protocols: Engineer safety evaluations for coolant leaks, dielectric fluid chemistry, and A2L/A3 refrigerant flammability.
  • Commercial Vision: Convert thermal management trends and safety metrics into profitable commercial services.
B. Ecosystem Developer (OCP & Market Alignment)
  • OCP Standardization: Embed UL safety philosophies into Cold Plate, Immersion, and Heat Reuse open specifications.
  • Service Creation: Launch 'UL Verified' programs to validate cold plate dissipation and universal quick disconnect (UQD) interchangeability.
  • Industry Influence: Drive technical consensus across competing vendors, hyperscalers, ASHRAE TC 9.9, and the Green Grid.
C. Sustainability & Regulatory Driver
  • Heat Reuse Certification: Architect programs to rate waste heat quality for predictable utility grid monetization.
  • Global Compliance: Align offerings with DOE, NRCan, EU EED, and Ecodesign frameworks ahead of regulatory enforcement.
Key Essential Tasks
  • Performance Testing: Operationalize lab suites validating cold plate thermal resistance, pressure drop, and hydraulic impedance.
  • Blind-Mate Interoperability: Establish mechanical regimes for Open Rack V3 (ORv3) manifolds to prevent binding and bypass.
  • Dielectric Compatibility: Standardize chemical and electrical compatibility tests between immersion fluids and server components.
  • Leak Detection Integration: Map unified Redfish API schemas to trigger automated isolation across CDUs and loops.
  • Thought Leadership: Publish white papers on regulatory minefields like PFAS restrictions and global F-Gas phasedowns.
  • Workforce Training: Build global laboratory capacity through standardized internal engineering curricula.


Qualifications
  • Formal Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluid Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Applied Physics from an accredited university program.
  • Direct Professional Experience: A minimum of 12+ years of direct, progressive engineering experience in high-density data center cooling design, advanced HVACR product development, or comprehensive thermal management engineering within high-performance computing (HPC) or hyperscale cloud ecosystems.
  • Track Record of Leadership: Demonstrated history of direct management or programmatic leadership of high-performing, cross-functional global teams of technical experts and laboratory specialists, with a clear adherence to formal corporate codes of conduct and comprehensive digital/physical security protocols.

What we offer:

  • Total Rewards:  We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $155,000-$175,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday including floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).