Job Description

Description
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer is a key technical role within the Design and Engineering department that plays a critical part in shaping the thermal and airflow design strategy for current and future Teraco data center facilities. The role involves working across multiple disciplines and collaborate with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and architects to simulate and validate airflow dynamics within our data center facility both internally (within data halls, white space, hot/cold aisles, containment systems) and externally (site-level airflow, generator airflow, building envelope performance, and environmental impact). This position requires an innovative mindset with great technical depth that will influence major design decisions that impact operational excellence, energy efficiency, and sustainability while maintaining industry best practices and standards.
OBJECTIVES
MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute CFD simulations to analyse airflow distribution, temperature profiles, and pressure differentials for internal airflow (e.g. containment design, equipment thermal performance, rack heat load analysis).
• Conduct external CFD analysis to evaluate the effects of wind loading, HVAC exhaust recirculation, generator airflow, and environmental heat transfer.
• Interpret simulation results and provide data-backed design recommendations to optimize cooling strategies (e.g., hot aisle/cold aisle containment, CRAC/CRAH placement, perforated tile layouts).
• Liaise with Lead Design Engineers, MEP consultants, and architect to integrate CFD results into facility design basis of design documents.
• Interpret simulation results and provide recommendations to optimize cooling strategies (e.g., hot aisle/cold aisle containment, CRAC/CRAH placement, perforated tile layouts).
• Develop thermal models of existing and proposed data center layouts, considering equipment loads and airflow obstructions.
• Validate CFD results with on-site measurements (e.g., IR imaging, temperature sensors, airflow meters).
• Support capacity planning by evaluating thermal impacts of IT equipment deployment or infrastructure upgrades.
• Create technical documentation, simulation reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Ensure CFD simulations are aligned with ASHRAE thermal guidelines and company performance targets.
• Stay updated with the latest CFD tools, cooling technologies, and best practices in data center thermal management.
• Collaborate with Data Analytic and BMS team in developing energy efficiency report

Compliance

• Maintain compliance in accordance with all relative policies and procedures
• Support the HR department in achieving the organization developmental plan deliverables within agreed timelines.
• Meet agreed inter-departmental OLA (Operational Level Agreement).
• H&S monitoring and corrective action to meet statutory compliance, SLAs and good business practice.
• Implement company and departmental policies, processes, and work instructions as per the agreed quality and timeline/ RFS.
• Develop working methods to reduce or maintain Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) levels.
• Task finalization and report accurately, as per agreed format, quality and within the agreed timelines
• Maintain ISO 14001 and 50001 certification, and drive action plans & reporting to achieve the objectives applicable to their respective site.

Data Centre Ethics

• Ensure compliance is maintained incorporating industry best practices

Requirements
SKILLS REQUIREMENT

• Proficient in CFD pre-processing and meshing, solver setup, and post-processing analysis.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cooling strategies in technical spaces
• Familiarity with data center infrastructure (IT racks, containment systems, raised floors, etc.).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary engineering environments
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, mechanical, and electrical drawings
• Knowledge of South African codes, standards, and environmental compliance
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ASHRAE TC 9.9, Uptime Institute, TIA-942) is advantageous.
• Enthusiastic about continuous learning, especially around emerging cooling technologies and sustainable design

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Qualification Option 1: Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering, Thermal Sciences, HVAC Engineering, or a related field or
• Qualification Option 2: Significant hands-on experience (5+ years) using Cadence CFD software or equivalent simulation tools in a design or consulting environment
• 3+ years of relevant experience in CFD modelling, preferably within data center environments.
• Strong working knowledge of CFD software such as Candence, ANSYS Fluent, 6SigmaDCX, Autodesk CFD, or similar platforms.
• Experience with data center cooling systems including DX cooling, chilled water, liquid cooling, in-row cooling, etc.

Work Level
Skilled
Type
Permanent
Salary
Market Related
EE Position
No
Location
Gauteng