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# Principal Engineer, Data Center Thermal Management

- **Company:** UL
- **Location:** Washington, DC, United States
- **Salary:** $155,000.0 - $175,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Cyber Security, Data Centers, Interoperability, Automation of Marketing, Performance Testing
- **Published:** October 21, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.dcjobsite.com/job.asp?id=3462128168&tx=YT1818THD&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54

## About the Role

* Formal Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluid Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Applied Physics from an accredited university program.
 * Direct Professional Experience: A minimum of 12+ years of direct, progressive engineering experience in high-density data center cooling design, advanced HVACR product development, or comprehensive thermal management engineering within high-performance computing (HPC) or hyperscale cloud ecosystems.
 * Track Record of Leadership: Demonstrated history of direct management or programmatic leadership of high-performing, cross-functional global teams of technical experts and laboratory specialists, with a clear adherence to formal corporate codes of conduct and comprehensive digital/physical security protocols.

## Description

* Serves as representative on standards committees.
 * Publishes articles related to technical expertise.
 * Studies and understands test standards, testing technology, and regulations for scope of responsibility.
 * Takes on role as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for standards, industry, and/or test capability.
 * May represent UL at industry related functions such as seminars, trade shows or standards committees.
 * Manages or develops new standard programs and capabilities for region or globally.
 * Has detailed understanding of test techniques, procedures, and equipment.
 * Performs complex test procedures when necessary.
 * Provides training to staff when necessary.
 * Follows up on contacts from clients and communicates technical issues, Test Standard explanations, certification requirements and UL procedures and requirements.
 * Acts to address client concerns and resolve issues for a region or global office.
 * Drives for consistency and enhanced quality in area of expertise.
 * Within their region, or for the wider organization, operates and maintains test equipment appropriately to measure and test customer samples.
 * Performs maintenance on designated test equipment and laboratory area.
 * May perform calibration of test equipment.
 * Integrates continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job for a region or global office.
 * Manages and reviews related internal documents for accuracy.
 * Develops special test methods and test equipment for new standards, test requirements, or improved efficiency, when needed.
 * Likely to support the business externally through travelling to meetings at client sites, attendance at industry related events and other meetings.
 * Read and follow the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and follow all physical and digital security practices.
 * Performs other duties as directed.

A. Boundary Architect (Regulatory & Standards)

 * Hazard Protocols: Engineer safety evaluations for coolant leaks, dielectric fluid chemistry, and A2L/A3 refrigerant flammability.
 * Commercial Vision: Convert thermal management trends and safety metrics into profitable commercial services.

B. Ecosystem Developer (OCP & Market Alignment)

 * OCP Standardization: Embed UL safety philosophies into Cold Plate, Immersion, and Heat Reuse open specifications.
 * Service Creation: Launch 'UL Verified' programs to validate cold plate dissipation and universal quick disconnect (UQD) interchangeability.
 * Industry Influence: Drive technical consensus across competing vendors, hyperscalers, ASHRAE TC 9.9, and the Green Grid.

C. Sustainability & Regulatory Driver

 * Heat Reuse Certification: Architect programs to rate waste heat quality for predictable utility grid monetization.
 * Global Compliance: Align offerings with DOE, NRCan, EU EED, and Ecodesign frameworks ahead of regulatory enforcement.

Key Essential Tasks

 * Performance Testing: Operationalize lab suites validating cold plate thermal resistance, pressure drop, and hydraulic impedance.
 * Blind-Mate Interoperability: Establish mechanical regimes for Open Rack V3 (ORv3) manifolds to prevent binding and bypass.
 * Dielectric Compatibility: Standardize chemical and electrical compatibility tests between immersion fluids and server components.
 * Leak Detection Integration: Map unified Redfish API schemas to trigger automated isolation across CDUs and loops.
 * Thought Leadership: Publish white papers on regulatory minefields like PFAS restrictions and global F-Gas phasedowns.
 * Workforce Training: Build global laboratory capacity through standardized internal engineering curricula.