Hydronic Systems Architect (Mechanical Distribution Focus)

About the Company

We are looking for a Hydronic Systems Architect (Distribution Focus) to own the mechanical distribution architecture for our modular liquid-cooled data center platform. This role is responsible for the piping, valves, instrumentation, module interconnects, and serviceability strategy across both the primary water loop and secondary PG25 loop. 

This is a hands-on architecture and execution role focused on building a system that is repeatable, commissionable, maintainable, and scalable across multiple deployments. The right candidate will bring deep hydronic distribution expertise and a practical understanding of what it takes to move a design from concept into manufacturing, field installation, startup, and long-term operation. 

You will work closely with internal engineering teams, OEMs, fabricators, controls, manufacturing, and commissioning leads to ensure the mechanical distribution layer is robust, standardized, and ready for real-world deployment. 

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

Hydronic Architecture Ownership 

• Own the hydronic distribution architecture across: 

• Primary water/PG25 loop 

• Secondary water/PG25 loop 

• Define and standardize system design rules for flow, pressure drop, balancing, and measurement 

• Establish practical design approaches for PG25 and water-based systems, including pipe sizing, fluid behavior, and maintainability considerations 

• Support system-level alignment between plant, distribution, and rack cooling interfaces 

Distribution Design and Interface Control 

• Own distribution P&IDs, valve schedules, and instrumentation schedules 

• Maintain revision discipline, tagging standards, and interface clarity across the mechanical distribution package 

• Define boundaries and interfaces between plant equipment, CDUs, rack cooling components, and module-to-module interconnects 

• Develop and maintain interface control documentation for hydronic system boundaries 

Commissioning-First Design 

• Design for startup, commissioning, and long-term operation 

• Define fill, flush, vent, drain, isolation, bypass, and strainer strategies 

• Establish measurement points for flow, differential pressure, and temperature 

• Partner with commissioning and controls teams to define what must be measured, how it will be measured, and what acceptable startup performance looks like 

Pipe Sizing and Pressure Drop Management 

• Own pipe sizing methodology and pressure drop strategy for both PG25 and water loops 

• Define practical approaches to balancing and instrumentation placement 

• Ensure real-world field performance aligns with design intent 

• Help establish repeatable standards for distribution performance across product variants 

Layout, Serviceability, and Buildability 

• Own mechanical distribution layout packages and service clearance requirements 

• Ensure systems are designed for safe access, maintenance, replacement, and long-term serviceability 

• Support design for manufacturing by standardizing routing approaches, fittings strategy, tolerances, and assembly expectations 

• Help define clear factory-built versus field-installed scope boundaries 

Modular Interconnect Strategy 

• Define standard module interconnect approaches, including manifolds, quick connects, labeling, boundary isolation, and leak detection interfaces as applicable 

• Ensure interconnect designs support rapid deployment while preserving reliability and maintainability 

• Drive consistency across builds to reduce site variability and improve product repeatability 

Cross-Functional Integration 

• Partner with mechanical plant, thermal, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and commissioning teams 

• Coordinate system interfaces without losing baseline discipline 

• Work with OEMs and fabricators while maintaining ownership of the internal distribution architecture and standards 

• Support factory builds, field feedback collection, and lessons-learned incorporation into future revisions 

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in hydronic distribution design for data centers, industrial systems, mission-critical HVAC, or comparable thermal infrastructure 

• Strong experience owning P&IDs, valve strategies, and instrumentation design 

• Practical field knowledge of commissioning, startup, and serviceability constraints 

• Experience with glycol-based cooling systems such as PG25 or equivalent 

• Strong understanding of pipe sizing, flow management, pressure drop, balancing, and measurement strategies 

• Proven ability to maintain documentation discipline, revision control, and interface clarity 

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across mechanical, controls, manufacturing, and field teams 

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience with liquid-to-liquid and liquid-to-air cooling systems for high-density compute or AI/HPC environments 

• Familiarity with modular or prefabricated infrastructure systems 

• Understanding and experience in AFT Fathom, Pipeflo and CFD Products  

• CAD or BIM fluency sufficient for 3D coordination, clash avoidance, and clearance validation 

• PE license in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent depth of experience 

You're a Great Fit if You're

• A go-getter with a growth mindset. You're intellectually curious, have strong business acumen, and actively seek opportunities to build relevant skills and knowledge 
• A detail-oriented problem-solver. You can independently gather information, solve problems efficiently, and deliver results with a "get-it-done" attitude 
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment. You're energized by an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of working quickly, and excited to contribute to a growing company
• A collaborative team player. You focus on business success and are motivated by team accomplishment vs personal agenda 
• Highly organized and results-driven. Strong prioritization skills and a dedicated work ethic are essential for you 

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Armada, we are committed to fostering a work environment where everyone is given equal opportunities to thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, we strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, and compensation. Our hiring is guided by qualifications, merit, and the business needs at the time.

Unsolicited Resumes and Candidates

Armada does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external agencies or recruiters. All candidates must apply directly through our careers page. Any resumes submitted by agencies without a prior signed agreement will be considered unsolicited and Armada will not be obligated to pay any fees.