Engineering is at the heart of what we do at Vertiv, and it is foundational to how we innovate and establish ourselves as industry leaders. From visionary and technical expertise to immersive collaboration with customers and partners, we’re proud of the innumerous ways our team of engineers develop the systems that keep our customers’ businesses running without interruption. Below is an overview of the engineering career opportunities we offer at Vertiv:
- Mechanical engineering: Spanning product lines, our mechanical engineering teams develop heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), fire suppression, and power and lighting components or equipment. They also oversee system designs and integration of electrical equipment.
- Electrical engineering: This group develops designs for high- and low-voltage solutions, including fire alarms and controls systems. It also is tightly integrated with other disciplines, including mechanical, architectural, and structural engineering.
- Software/firmware engineering: Our software and firmware engineers develop the programmable content that supports the hardware devices that make up our data center infrastructure continuity solutions.
- Test engineering: This team develops test procedures and assists in the evaluation of test equipment that is required to perform quality checks on Vertiv solutions.
Our global team of engineers is dedicated to developing future-ready solutions that help address industry challenges related to energy efficiency, water consumption, and alternative energy sources. For example, water-free cooling systems like the Vertiv™ Liebert® DSE free-cooling economization system have saved billions of gallons of water a year worldwide since it was introduced in 2013.
These team member are truly working to make a difference for Vertiv and the planet, so for World Engineering Day (March 4), we asked a few to reflect on their experiences in this industry and offer advice for the next generation of engineers.
Focus On Learning
Steve Borror, Manager, Engineering, Thermal Management, North America
How has the field of engineering changed since you began your career?
When I started at Vertiv straight out of university back in the late 1980s, most design work was done by hand on drawing boards via the drafting pool. We only had one personal computer per team of engineers, and everyone wore ties every day — mostly clip-ons. Pocket protectors were still very relevant for our short-sleeved, buttoned-down shirts.
As an engineer, what upcoming trends get you the most excited?
I am optimistic about the future. Whether you consider renewable energy, vaccine development, or really any technology-based domain, you see machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) accelerating innovation in every direction. Gradually, as Internet of Things (IoT) opens the floodgates of physical data to fuel that change engine, and automation enables productivity gains to leverage emerging possibilities, I am excited how our progress will exceed human geometric thinking. And with challenges like climate change, we need that progress!
What’s your advice to aspiring engineers?
For aspiring engineers, focus on learning. Both in school and in your career, find challenges that you enjoy meeting and ideas that spark excitement for you. Know that your life’s work can be a truly significant part of being true to yourself. Values as diverse as success, sustainability, and inclusion can all be affected through your professional pursuits. Find great people with whom you can study and work and consider that community an investment in yourself, which is infinitely valuable.
Look at the Long-term Trends
Lorenz Hofmann, Vice President, Custom Air Handling and Modular Solutions
How has the field of engineering changed since you began your career?
There’s now increased emphasis on systems engineering and a focus on how to integrate best-of-breed systems from other vendors and partners. The early years were focused on component design, and that is now driven upstream to a competent supply base, that owns and delivers components while letting the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) focus on customer solutions.
As an engineer, what upcoming trends get you the most excited?
For me, it’s the prioritization of environment, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. It’s something that’s always been important, but in the past, was tough to quantify and target as a priority in a design. Today, ESG is considered table stakes for a number of designs, including water treatment and indoor air quality.
What’s your advice to aspiring engineers?
Look at the long-term trends. For thermal data center cooling, there are a number of opportunities that should inspire growth in the field for the next generation. First, about 30-40% of food spoils from farm to table, so future cold chain activity would provide major opportunity. Also, thermal engineering grew significantly in the 1970s as residential cooling became commonplace in the United States and parts of Europe. Those engineers are now retiring and leaving a void of leadership that needs to be filled by the next generation of students.
More Data-led Engineering Through Digital Technology
Gabriele Menegazzo, Software Application Developer
Can you describe in detail your greatest accomplishment as an engineer?
As a control engineer, one of my greatest achievements has been designing and implementing innovative algorithms to efficiently manage the operation of variable primary chilled water systems, so the chiller’s pumps and bypass valves are properly controlled, making the system able to compensate for sudden pressure drops. This engineering mitigates low delta-T scenarios and ensures continuous cooling to the data center.
How has the field of engineering changed since you began your career?
Digital transformation has had a major effect on engineering. New technologies and the increasing use of digital technology has made engineering a much more data-led industry.
As an engineer, what upcoming trends get you the most excited?
AI and derived disciplines like machine learning are emergent fields in engineering which can provide exponential benefits in many real-world applications. Increased availability of computing power and vast datasets have led to the creation of new AI models and algorithms capable of making rapid and impactful decisions.
Follow an Exciting Career Path
Vertiv is actively recruiting globally for talented individuals in mechanical, electrical, software/firmware, and test engineering, along with product and project management. Learn more about the exciting engineering careers we offer at Vertiv.
