Job Description

Application Engineer - Chiller

Location: Houston, TX

Employment Type: Full time

The Opportunity

The Chiller Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as the enterprise technical authority for chiller systems integrated into Integra Mission Critical’s modular cooling and power infrastructure platforms.

This role defines chiller selection criteria, system integration standards, performance benchmarks, and control strategies to ensure scalable, energy-efficient, and highly reliable thermal solutions for mission-critical environments. The SME supports product development, manufacturing integration, commissioning, and lifecycle optimization of air- and liquid-cooled chilled water systems.

What you will do?

Technical Authority & Standards

• Serve as enterprise-level expert for:
• Air-cooled chillers
• Water-cooled chillers
• Modular chiller plants
• Heat recovery and hybrid cooling systems
• Develop and maintain chiller design standards and specifications.
• Define redundancy strategies (N+1, 2N), capacity staging logic, and turndown performance requirements.
• Establish performance benchmarks for efficiency (kW/ton), reliability, and part-load optimization.
• Ensure compliance with ASHRAE, local energy codes, and applicable safety standards.

System Integration & Controls

• Lead integration of chillers with:
  • Cooling distribution units (CDUs)
  • Pump skids and hydronic distribution systems
  • Cooling towers (where applicable)
  • Building automation systems (BMS/BAS)
  • EPMS and supervisory controls
• Define control sequences for load staging, economization, failure response, and high-density cooling support.
• Partner with Controls Engineering to standardize integration strategies using PLC and BMS platforms.
• Ensure optimized operation under varying load conditions, including AI/high-density compute environments.

Product Development & Modularization

• Support development of standardized modular chiller plant designs.
• Drive scalable product configurations that align with manufacturing workflows.
• Ensure designs prioritize maintainability, service access, and constructability.
• Evaluate alternative refrigerants and emerging cooling technologies.

Performance Modeling & Optimization

• Support load modeling, thermal performance analysis, and plant optimization studies.
• Conduct lifecycle cost analysis and energy modeling for product roadmap decisions.
• Identify opportunities for heat recovery, water savings, and sustainability improvements.

Commissioning & Field Support

• Provide technical oversight during factory testing (FAT) and site commissioning.
• Support startup, sequence validation, and integrated systems testing.
• Troubleshoot operational issues including short cycling, low delta-T, sensor calibration, or control instability.
• Participate in post-installation performance validation and root cause analysis.

Vendor & OEM Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with major chiller OEMs (e.g., Trane, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls).
• Evaluate equipment performance, submittals, and technical deviations.
• Support procurement strategy and long-term OEM partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in chiller system design, integration, or commissioning within mission-critical or industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of chilled water system design, pumping strategies, and redundancy modeling.
• Hands-on experience supporting startup and sequence validation.
• Deep knowledge of plant optimization and high-density cooling requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
  • Experience with modular or prefabricated chiller plant solutions.
  • Familiarity with liquid cooling systems and CDU integration.
  • Experience with sustainability strategies and energy optimization initiatives.

  CORE SKILLS & CAPABILITIES

  Technical Depth

  • Expertise in chilled water plant design, delta-T management, and hydraulic balancing.
  • Strong understanding of compressor technologies (centrifugal, screw, scroll) and refrigerant systems.
  • Knowledge of pump control, VFD integration, and system redundancy logic.

  Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Ability to translate cooling performance requirements into standardized product platforms.
  • Effective communicator across Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, and Commissioning teams.

  Risk & Reliability Focus

  • Proactive identification of failure modes and performance degradation risks.
  • Strong troubleshooting capability during commissioning and live operations.

  SUCCESS INDICATORS

  • Standardized modular chiller platforms aligned with product strategy.
  • Reduced commissioning issues related to sequencing and integration.
  • Improved plant efficiency and part-load performance.
  • High reliability and reduced operational risk.
  • Scalable cooling solutions supporting high-density compute environments.
  How we support you

We believe your best work happens when you feel supported - professionally, personally, and financially. That’s why we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive, stay healthy, and plan for the future.

• Performance-driven rewards – Competitive pay with incentive opportunities that recognize your results and contributions.
• Comprehensive healthcare – Medical, dental, and vision coverage that supports you and your family’s total well-being.
• Security and peace of mind – Life and disability insurance programs that provide protection when it matters most.
• Flexible benefits options – A variety of voluntary benefits so you can personalize coverage to fit your needs.
• Time to recharge – Generous paid time off to relax, travel, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Investing in your growth – Education assistance and tuition support to help you build skills and advance your career.
• Planning for the future – Retirement and savings programs that help you achieve long-term financial confidence.

Come build with us

At Integra, we’re driven by a vision to transform the data center industry. We specialize in delivering optimized turnkey solutions that bring together speed, quality, and reliability - helping our clients build and operate the mission-critical infrastructure that powers today’s digital world. Integra is a vertically integrated company - owning and managing every phase of the process from site selection and design to manufacturing, procurement, commissioning, and warranty. This approach allows us to move faster, solve challenges more efficiently, and deliver exceptional outcomes for our partners.

What truly sets Integra apart is our people. We are a team of problem-solvers, engineers, builders, and operators who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering results. Our culture values collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement - because in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, excellence and adaptability matter.

Joining Integra means being part of a company that is shaping the future of data center infrastructure. If you’re passionate about innovation, impact, and building systems the world depends on, you’ll find the opportunity to grow and make a difference here.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Integra provides equal employment opportunities for all people. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, creed, origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, otherwise qualified disabled or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified applicant who requires reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact talent_acquisition@integra.com