Chief Research & Development Scientist

About the role

In this position, you will be the foremost technical expert in refrigeration science and advanced thermal systems at OptiCool. Reporting to the CEO, you will oversee the research, development, testing, and market introduction of innovative refrigerant-based cooling technologies.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Direct the research and development of state-of-the-art refrigeration and thermal management technologies.
• Create designs for refrigeration systems at both the component and system levels.
• Analyze thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and refrigeration cycles.
• Execute thermal load assessments and size components such as compressors, heat exchangers, pumps, and expansion devices.
• Employ analytical and simulation tools to forecast system performance and refine product designs.
• Establish product requirements, engineering specifications, and design limitations.
• Oversee prototype creation, laboratory validation, and performance evaluations.
• Formulate experimental testing methods and interpret data to confirm new technologies.
• Support mechanical and refrigeration system design through analytical modeling and engineering best practices.
• Conduct technical design reviews and provide mentorship to engineering personnel.
• Contribute to patent applications, invention disclosures, and the development of intellectual property.
• Assess emerging refrigeration technologies and propose strategic product innovations.

Requirements

• Education: A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates with a Master's degree and extensive industrial R&D experience will also be considered. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is advantageous.
• Experience: At least 15 years in refrigeration, HVAC, thermal systems, or related fields, with a proven track record of leading R&D programs from inception to market. Experience in developing innovative products within a formal engineering framework is essential, along with demonstrated technical leadership of cross-functional engineering teams.

Technical Expertise

• Comprehensive knowledge of refrigeration system design
• Proficiency in vapor-compression refrigeration
• Experience with pumped refrigerant systems
• Understanding of heat transfer and thermodynamics
• Familiarity with fluid mechanics
• Expertise in refrigerant cycle analysis
• Experience in heat exchanger design
• Skills in thermal system modeling and simulation
• Proficiency with engineering analysis software
• Experience in laboratory testing and product validation
• Knowledge of component selection and system optimization

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with data center cooling systems
• Experience with two-phase cooling technologies
• Knowledge of rear-door heat exchangers
• Understanding of direct liquid cooling
• Experience with microchannel heat exchangers
• Proficiency in CFD and thermal simulation software
• Knowledge of product certification and regulatory compliance
• Experience in patent development and intellectual property
• Knowledge of heater core and advanced heat exchanger design

What You'll Bring

• A strong sense of scientific inquiry and innovative mindset.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strategic technical leadership skills.
• Ability to tackle complex engineering challenges.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• A commitment to advancing industry-leading cooling technologies.

Why Join OptiCool?

In this role, you will play a pivotal part in transforming the future of high-performance cooling solutions for data centers. You will lead initiatives that enhance energy efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and address some of the most pressing thermal management challenges in the industry.