Lead CFD Analyst

Keep the Internet Running and the World WorkingAt WSP USA, we design the infrastructure that powers the digital world. Our Center of Excellence support the cloud, artificial intelligence, financial systems, healthcare, communications, and countless technologies that organizations and communities rely on every day.
We are seeking a Lead CFD Analyst to join our growing Data Centers Analytics team. This role offers the opportunity to serve as a technical leader, drive innovation in computational modeling, mentor emerging talent, and shape best practices that influence some of the world's most advanced data center projects.
Locations: New York, NY | Troy, NY | Atlanta, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Tempe, AZ | Herndon, VAYour ImpactAs a Lead CFD Analyst, you will serve as a subject matter expert and technical leader within our Data Centers Analytics practice. You will lead complex CFD studies, guide project teams, advance modeling capabilities, and help establish technical standards that drive project quality and consistency across the organization.
ResponsibilitiesTechnical LeadershipLead the execution of advanced CFD analyses for mission critical facilities, including indoor airflow, thermal management, cooling optimization, contaminant dispersion, condensation control, and outdoor airflow studies.
Serve as the technical authority for CFD methodologies, modeling assumptions, simulation quality, and interpretation of results.
Lead technical reviews and provide QA/QC oversight for CFD studies completed by other analysts.
Develop and implement CFD standards, best practices, workflows, and documentation to improve consistency and modeling efficiency.
Project DeliveryManage multiple CFD studies simultaneously while maintaining high quality and meeting project schedules and client commitments.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, architectural, structural, and project management teams throughout project delivery.
Provide technical direction during project kickoff meetings and critical design milestones.
Support project managers in defining CFD scope, schedules, resource requirements, and technical deliverables.
Innovation and Process ImprovementDrive continuous improvement initiatives through automation, scripting, template development, and workflow optimization.
Lead development of internally developed CFD tools and software enhancements.
Evaluate emerging CFD technologies, software platforms, and industry research to expand organizational capabilities.
Champion the integration of digital engineering, AI-assisted workflows, and advanced analytics into CFD processes.
Mentorship and Team DevelopmentMentor and train junior CFD analysts through technical guidance, coaching, and project support.
Assist in developing onboarding materials, technical training programs, and CFD knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning across the analytics team.
Client Engagement and Business DevelopmentServe as a trusted technical advisor to clients by communicating complex engineering concepts in a clear and actionable manner.
Lead client presentations, technical workshops, and CFD results reviews.
Support proposal development, technical pursuits, and strategic client engagements.
Help identify opportunities to expand CFD and analytics services across existing and new client relationships.
Who You AreRequired QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.7+ years of experience applying Computational Fluid Dynamics in building systems, mission critical facilities, thermal management, or related fields.
Demonstrated expertise in:Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)ThermodynamicsHeat TransferBuilding Mechanical SystemsAirflow and Thermal ModelingProven ability to independently lead complex engineering analyses and deliver high-quality results.
Experience reviewing technical work and providing guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting technical findings to clients and leadership.
Preferred QualificationsMaster's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Demonstrated expertise with one or more CFD platforms including:STAR-CCM+FluentOpenFOAMFDSRealityDCExperience developing custom models and User Defined Functions (UDFs).
Proficiency with programming and automation tools including:PythonC++JavaExperience leading technical teams, mentoring staff, or managing a team of technical experts in a corporate environment.
Experience supporting mission critical, data center, industrial, or large-scale commercial projects.
Demonstrated understanding and incorporation of good business practices including KPIs, lessons learned and evolving corporate goals.
About WSPWSP USA is the U.
S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors