Director of Fluid Chemistry & Lab Services

Location: Remote, U.S. – with preference for candidates based near major airports

Travel Requirements: 50% travel nationwide

About the Opportunity

A high-impact engineering solutions firm is seeking a seasoned leader to spearhead their advanced cooling lab initiatives and fluid quality consulting practice. With a mission to revolutionize fluid QA/QC for high-density computing environments, this organization is launching next-gen testing platforms, mobile lab capabilities, and innovative water chemistry programs to meet the rapidly growing demand for ultra-clean liquid-cooled infrastructure in data centers and other mission-critical facilities.

This is a rare opportunity to join an engineering-forward team that blends cutting-edge science with practical field execution. You’ll be a key architect of this technical vision - building labs from scratch, shaping testing protocols, and collaborating with cross-disciplinary experts from some of the largest data-driven organizations in the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Program Leadership – Build and direct the company’s fluid quality service offerings including water chemistry analysis, fluid treatment strategies, and component testing workflows.
• Laboratory Development – Design, equip, and operationalize fixed and mobile laboratory setups used for system fluid diagnostics, treatment validation, and component performance benchmarking.
• Testing & QA Protocols – Develop standard procedures for sampling, testing, and validating fluid loop performance, including cleanliness, flow rates, corrosion control, and thermal transfer metrics.
• Team Development – Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing team of lab technicians, chemists, and engineers to support QA programs at scale.
• Strategic Collaboration – Interface with R&D, field operations, clients, and vendors to ensure seamless execution of fluid commissioning strategies and field-based testing.
• Industry Representation – Serve as the technical face of the organization in the fluid chemistry space by publishing white papers, speaking at technical conferences, and engaging with industry consortiums.
• Process Innovation – Leverage digital tools, automation, and AI to enhance testing workflows and deliver actionable insights with speed and accuracy.

Preferred Background

• 13+ years in mechanical, fluid, or chemical systems engineering with a strong emphasis on water treatment, testing, or startup of closed-loop cooling systems.
• Proven experience with installation, startup, and commissioning of high-performance HVAC or process cooling systems in data centers, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, or critical facility environments.
• Deep knowledge of fluid loop cleanliness standards, corrosion inhibitors, biocide control, and particulate analysis.
• Experience selecting, configuring, and using analytical lab instrumentation (e.g., particle counters, corrosion test cells, fluid sampling kits, etc.).
• Skilled at interpreting test data, creating technical reports, and recommending treatment protocols or remediation plans.
• Familiarity with lab-grade and mobile test lab setup, including sensor integration and testing automation.
• Comfort working in both field and lab settings with frequent travel.
• Background in working with chemical suppliers (e.g., Nalco, Chemtreat, etc.) is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical infrastructure and fluid system operation.
• Proficiency in tools such as Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and modern file/document management platforms.
• Exceptional communication skills - able to translate highly technical results for executive and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work remotely and independently while leading complex initiatives and meeting tight deadlines.
• Must be able to acquire OSHA 10/30 or NFPA 70E certification.
• Valid passport or REAL ID for domestic and occasional international travel.

Why Join Us?

This is your chance to shape the standards for liquid-cooled infrastructure in the next generation of mission-critical environments. You’ll join a team of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers who are building something new - and doing it the right way from the start. You'll have broad ownership, budgetary support, and executive backing to drive meaningful change in a fast-growing, niche market.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with generous health benefits, including medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) with company match and additional financial planning support
• Paid parental leave and PTO, including office closure at year-end
• Tuition reimbursement, professional development, and certification assistance
• Flexible, remote-first work culture

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS