Research and Development Engineer

Posted 6 Days Ago
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Edenbridge, Sevenoaks, Kent, England, GBR
In-Office
Entry level
Hardware • Software • Analytics
The Role
Leads design and execution of liquid-cooling R&D tests, including test-rig design, commissioning, instrumentation, data acquisition, analysis, and validation. Performs prototype assembly, leak and pressure testing, calibration, documentation, and configuration management. Presents technical findings, supports engineering change processes, maintains laboratory and safety standards, and drives continuous improvement for high-density cooling products used in data centers and critical infrastructure.
Summary Generated by Built In

Vertiv is seeking a Research and Development Engineer to join our high-density liquid cooling R&D team in Edenbridge, UK. The successful candidate will independently lead test design, experimental analysis, and development of next-generation liquid cooling solutions for data centre and critical infrastructure applications. This role involves hands-on laboratory work, test rig design and commissioning, data acquisition and analysis, and active collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams to advance Vertiv's thermal management product portfolio.
Responsibilities: 

  • Design, set up, operate, and maintain liquid cooling test rigs and experimental apparatus in accordance with Vertiv Engineering SOPs and Standard Work procedures.
  • Lead and execute product performance test design and validation protocols for high-density liquid cooling systems, including cold plate assemblies, coolant distribution units (CDUs), and rear-door heat exchangers.
  • Independently collect, record, and analyse test data, drawing conclusions and presenting findings using data acquisition systems, ensuring accuracy and traceability per Vertiv's Item and Item Structure Management SOP (PLM-ISM-SOP-001).
  • Design and prepare test apparatus and instrumentation setups for R&D experiments, ensuring alignment with defined test objectives
  • Perform routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments, pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples, and data acquisition tools. 
     
  • Lead the development and documentation of test procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures aligned with Vertiv's Model-Based Definition (MBD) process
  • Maintain laboratory housekeeping standards, ensuring cleanliness and compliance with workmanship standards (processes, tools, materials, discipline, and cleanliness)

  • Lead prototype assembly, leak testing, pressure testing and functional operation of liquid cooling components, coordinating with senior engineers as required.

  • Comply with Vertiv's Electrical Safety Programme requirements, including proper use of PPE, risk assessments, and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures when working with energised test equipment.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to Standard Work development as outlined in the VOS Global Procedure.

  • Independently compile, analyse, and present test results, anomalies, and technical observations to the R&D engineering team in a timely manner.

  • Lead and support ECN (Engineering Change Notice) release processes and configuration management activities.
     

    Requirements:

    Education

    • BEng (Hons) or HNC/HND (Level 4/5) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

    Experience

    • Ideally, previous engineering R&D or relevant field experience, with demonstrated ability to independently plan and conduct experiments.

    Technical Skills

    • Hands-on experience with hydraulic/fluid systems, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and piping assemblies.
    • Proficiency in using data acquisition systems and laboratory instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure sensors, flow meters, power quality analysis).
    • Competence in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications.
    • Solid understanding of heat transfer principles and fluid dynamics, with ability to apply theory to experimental design.
    • Familiarity with electrical safety practices for test environments.
    • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications and data analysis tools.

    Personal Attributes

    • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
    • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative R&D team.
    • Good written and verbal communication skills.
    • Proactive approach to health and safety compliance.
    • Proven ability to independently solve engineering problems and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

    Nice to have: 

    • Foundation Degree or BEng (Hons) in a relevant engineering discipline.
    • Experience with liquid cooling systems, thermal management, or HVAC/R technologies.
    • Experience with programming languages (Python, Labview).
    • Knowledge of CAD software (Creo Parametric or equivalent) for reviewing 3D models and assemblies.
    • Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, particularly Oracle Product Development Cloud.
    • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and Standard Work methodologies.
    • IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate.
    • 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) awareness.
    • Experience working in a data centre or critical infrastructure environment.
About Us

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principles & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• High-Performance Culture

• Customer Focus

• Operational Excellence

• Innovation

• Financial Strength

VERTIV BEHAVIORS

• Own it

• Act with urgency

• Foster a customer-first mindset

• Think big and execute

• Lead by example

• Drive continuous improvement

• Learn and seek out development

• Promote transparent & open communication

About Vertiv

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers’ vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today’s data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extend from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 34,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [email protected]

Skills Required

  • BEng (Hons) or HNC/HND Level 4/5 in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a closely related discipline
  • Ability to independently plan and conduct engineering experiments
  • Hands-on experience with hydraulic or fluid systems, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and piping assemblies
  • Proficiency with data acquisition systems and laboratory instrumentation, including thermocouples, pressure sensors, flow meters, and power quality analysis
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
  • Understanding of heat transfer principles and fluid dynamics
  • Familiarity with electrical safety practices in test environments
  • Competence with Microsoft Office applications and data analysis tools
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Proactive approach to health and safety compliance
  • Ability to solve engineering problems independently and drive continuous improvement
  • Experience in engineering R&D or a relevant field
  • Foundation Degree or BEng (Hons) in a relevant engineering discipline
  • Experience with liquid cooling, thermal management, or HVAC/R technologies
  • Programming experience with Python or LabVIEW
  • Knowledge of Creo Parametric or equivalent CAD software
  • Experience with PLM systems, particularly Oracle Product Development Cloud
  • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and Standard Work methodologies
  • IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate
  • Awareness of 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671
  • Experience in a data center or critical infrastructure environment

Vertiv Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vertiv and has not been reviewed or approved by Vertiv.

  • Healthcare Strength Health coverage is described as comprehensive, with standard medical, dental, and vision plans plus wellness and mental-health resources. Core offerings also include disability and life insurance and an Employee Assistance Program.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Time off includes paid holidays and PTO typical of large employers, and many U.S. salaried roles feature flexible or "unlimited" PTO approaches. These programs are part of a structured, global total rewards framework.
  • Fair & Transparent Compensation Pay is considered fair at start for many office-based, engineering, and field service roles, and total compensation packages are viewed as stable. In some hourly manufacturing settings, overtime opportunities help boost overall earnings.

Vertiv Insights

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The Company
HQ: Columbus, OH
8,435 Employees
Year Founded: 2016

What We Do

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to ensure its customers’ vital applications run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today’s data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs approximately 20,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. For more information, and for the latest news and content from Vertiv, visit Vertiv.com.

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