3D Mechanical Design Engineer

Kforce has a client that is seeking a 3D Mechanical Design Engineer in Austin, TX. Overview: Our client is seeking a 3D Mechanical Design Engineer to drive the mechanical architecture of the next-generation, liquid-cooled data center infrastructure. This role commands ownership over the mechanical design lifecycle, from digital modeling and simulation to final documentation, for systems at both the server-rack and data-hall scale. The ideal candidate will bring a robust portfolio of experience in advanced CAD modeling, intricate liquid-cooling system design, and seamless integration of electrical components like power shelves, BBUs, and busbars. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end mechanical design of 3D assemblies, including rack structures, brackets, rails, adapters, cooling manifolds, and fluid connectors, while ensuring the seamless integration of electrical components such as power shelves, busbars, and BBUs
• Architect and validate high-performance liquid-cooling systems (e.g., CDMs), optimizing for flow efficiency, thermal performance, and material compatibility
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with hardware, electrical, and facilities teams to achieve a fully integrated and optimized system design
• Produce comprehensive design documentation, including detailed 3D models, 2D fabrication drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and simulation reports. Capable of managing and optimizing this workflow using Claude code, Codex or equivalent to create skills
• Lead the design review process and ensure all mechanical systems adhere to key industry standards (OCP, ASHRAE, EIA) throughout the entire product development lifecycle
• A Bachelor's or above in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, specifically for data center or high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure
• Experience in 3D simulation is required, and candidates that have expertise in data-center-specific CFD/FEA and a background in digital-twin development will be strongly preferred
• Proficiency with a major 3D CAD platform (SolidWorks, CATIA) for designing complex mechanical assemblies
• Demonstrated expertise in applying simulation tools to validate designs, including CFD for thermal analysis (Cadence Reality DC/Future Facilities) and FEA for structural and thermal stress evaluation
• Comprehensive knowledge of data center subsystems, including the design and integration of liquid-cooling loops (CDMs, manifolds, connectors) and high-power electrical components (busbars, power shelves, BBUs)
• Understanding relevant industry standards (OCP, ASHRAE, EIA) and a proven ability to incorporate them into design practices
• Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to lead technical projects and drive alignment across multidisciplinary teams
• Capable of using Claude Code or Codex for optimize function and workflow

• A proven track record of delivering complete mechanical designs for hyperscale or AI-focused data centers, from concept through to deployment
• Direct experience developing and utilizing digital-twin models for system-level simulation and analysis
• Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping workflows, including 3D printing and thermal validation testing
• Experience with BIM/Revit for integrating mechanical designs into large-scale facility models
• A strong portfolio demonstrates success in rack-level thermal optimization or the design of modular cooling solutions