Senior R&D Engineer (Generative Design & CFD)

Rotselaar, Belgium (Hybrid)

At This is Innovative Technologies, we are not just manufacturing parts — we are solving one of the biggest physical bottlenecks in the AI revolution: heat.

As traditional data center cooling approaches its limits, we’ve developed ultra-high-performance Smartfins technology, powered by proprietary generative algorithms.

We are a lean, fast-moving startup bridging software intelligence and large-scale hardware manufacturing. If you want to see your code turn into real-world hardware deployed globally, this is the place.


The Role

As a Senior R&D Engineer, you will own the algorithmic engine behind our thermal innovation.

This is not a user role — you will build and evolve the core generative design kernel that defines our products.

You will work with high autonomy, translating complex thermal physics into production-ready code that generates next-generation liquid-cooled cold plates.


Key Responsibilities

  • Architect the Solver
    Develop and maintain proprietary generative design engines using C++ / Python within OpenFOAM or similar CFD frameworks.
  • Optimize Smartfins Logic
    Implement advanced topology optimization methods (Adjoint, Level-Set, SIMP) to push the limits of conjugate heat transfer (CHT).
  • Bridge Math & Manufacturing
    Integrate real-world manufacturing constraints directly into the optimization loop to ensure designs are production-ready.
  • Drive the Digital Twin
    Collaborate with software teams to automate and scale design cycles.
  • Lead Through Research
    Translate cutting-edge thermal research into scalable, high-performance code for next-gen CPU/GPU cooling.

What You Bring

The Essentials

  • Advanced Academic Background
    Master’s or PhD in Mathematical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Developer Mindset
    Strong experience building custom tools/solvers in C++ or Python
  • Topology Optimization Expertise
    Deep knowledge of:
    • Adjoint methods
    • Density-based methods (SIMP)
    • Level-Set approaches
  • Thermal Fluency
    Strong foundation in:
    • Thermodynamics
    • Liquid cooling
    • Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT)
  • Startup Grit
    Comfortable in fast-paced environments with high ownership and rapid iteration

Nice to Have (Extra Mile)

  • Experience integrating manufacturing constraints (e.g. 3D printing overhangs, casting limits) into optimization workflows
  • Hands-on experience with OpenFOAM or similar CFD tools
  • Exposure to data centers or AI infrastructure
  • Proven track record of scaling research into real-world industrial applications

Why Join Us?

  • Real Ownership
    Your algorithms directly shape the physical product and company direction
  • Global Impact
    Contribute to reducing the energy footprint of AI
  • High Velocity Environment
    Work at the pace of GPU/CPU innovation cycles — fast, iterative, cutting-edge

Senior R&D Engineer (Generative Design & CFD)

Job description

Senior R&D Engineer (Generative Design & CFD)

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