Lead Engineer, Test Data Center Incubation

Req

Job Location:

Utica, NY, US

Employment Type:

Full Time
Segment:
Danfoss Power Solutions Segment
Job Category: R&D, Technology and Engineering
Work Location Type:
On-site
Annual Salary Range: USD 87,
Job Experience Level: Mid-Senior level

The Application and Test Engineer Lab Incubation is responsible for the execution of laboratory test campaigns supporting the Incubation new product development portfolio, including the setup, instrumentation, and operation of thermal and fluid test loops, the characterisation of Danfoss subsystems against defined performance specifications, and the documentation of test results in a form suitable for stage-gate use and customer engagement. He is also supporting the build-up of the initial lab environment and based on guidance from engineering team.

This is a hands-on engineering position with strong opportunities for technical development, including exposure to leading-edge data center liquid cooling architectures and direct interaction with senior engineering colleagues across the Incubation organisation.

• Help design and establish laboratory infrastructure, including thermal test loops and instrumented rack mock-ups.
• Define test methods, instrumentation standards, and data pipelines to ensure repeatable, comparable, and credible results. Own data quality and log management.
• Translate hyperscaler, colocation, and HPC customer reference designs into physical test environments, including rack-, row-, and facility-level coolant distribution topologies. Partner with Engineering and Business Development to replicate real-world operating conditions, transient events, and failure modes.
• Execute test campaigns supporting the incubation and new product development portfolio. Set up and operate thermal loops, rack-level mock-ups, and component characterization rigs for evaluations ranging from ergonomics studies to accelerated life testing.
• Install, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation, including pressure, flow, temperature, conductivity, and leak-detection sensors. Configure data acquisition systems to deliver accurate, traceable, and high-quality test data.
• Document test setups, procedures, and results to ensure repeatability and traceability for stage-gate reviews and customer engagements. Perform initial data analysis using tools such as Excel, Python, or MATLAB to identify trends, anomalies, and key performance metrics.
• Maintain laboratory safety, coolant chemistry, and operational readiness by following all safety procedures, fluid-handling protocols, and laboratory maintenance standards.
• Leverage the laboratory as a customer engagement and sales tool by demonstrating customer workloads on company subsystems, explaining test environments, and incorporating customer feedback to continuously improve lab capabilities and the customer experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in thermal testing, fluid systems, or two-phase / single-phase liquid cooling in lab environment.
• Experience characterizing pumps, heat exchangers, CDUs, manifolds, or related subsystems against defined performance specs.
• Demonstrated practical experience with flow loop operation, instrumentation (pressure, flow, temperature, conductivity, leak detection), and data acquisition systems.
• Strong data instincts. Python, MATLAB, or equivalent for analysis is expected.
• Analytical mindset.

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