Contract - Sr. Thermal Engineer

Mechanical Or Thermal Engineer

We're looking for an experienced Mechanical or Thermal Engineer to join our team on a short-term contract focused on designing and validating a dedicated cooling system for datacenter racks. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you'll own technical analysis, drive design recommendations, and work directly with our engineering team to deliver a tested, production-ready solution. This is the right role for someone who thrives in environments where the specifications aren't always handed to you — someone who can assess the situation, gather data, and bring a confident recommendation forward.

What You'll Do

• Analyze airflow within datacenter rack configurations and recommend design modifications to optimize thermal performance
• Evaluate off-the-shelf rack-mounted active cooling units (air conditioning) for fit and performance
• Develop and execute test and validation plans, including four-corner chamber testing
• Perform thermal simulation using SolidWorks Flow Simulation or comparable CFD tools
• Define and program software control systems (e.g., Modbus) to maintain precise temperature and humidity within enclosed rack environments
• Collaborate closely with the onsite team while also driving independent analysis and decision-making when data is limited

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or HVAC Engineering (Master's a plus)
• 8+ years of engineering experience with demonstrated depth in datacenter or industrial thermal/cooling systems
• Hands-on experience with datacenter rack cooling, CRAC/CRAH units, or rack-mounted active cooling equipment
• Proficiency in CFD/flow simulation software (SolidWorks Flow Simulation strongly preferred)
• Experience developing control algorithms to regulate temperature and humidity within tight tolerances in enclosed environments
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Modbus
• Ability to work onsite regularly and engage collaboratively with a cross-functional team
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity and light specifications — you bring solutions, not just questions

Engagement Details

• Contract duration: 9 months
• Hours: 30 hours/week
• Onsite presence required (Boulder, CO)
• Candidates must reside within commuting distance of our Boulder, CO office. Relocation assistance is not available. Only local candidates will be considered
• Compensation: $60-80/ hour, 1099 Contract

WHY SPECTRA?

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, Spectra is an entrepreneurial, private company with more than 40 years of proven success preserving, protecting and defending the world's data. Spectra offers a challenging, flexible and creative work environment. Our culture is one that drives personal opportunity and advancement and rewards high performance while maintaining a high-quality work-life balance. We offer a casual, hybrid work environment with ample opportunity to learn and grow within the company. Work out on your own or with our trainer at one of the on-campus gyms; grab lunch or snacks onsite or challenge the CEO to a game of pinball; and grow your career with peers who are second to none. SPECTRA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Spectra is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we never discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.