Thermal R&D Engineer

Position Overview

Advantest is a global leader in semiconductor test and measurement solutions. To support next-generation test platforms and increasing device power densities, we are expanding our Global Thermal R&D Team to develop advanced cooling technologies.

We are seeking a Thermal R&D Engineer with hands-on experience in two-phase cooling and refrigeration-based systems. This role focuses on the architecture, design, prototyping, and validation of closed-loop phase-change cooling solutions for high-performance semiconductor test environments.

The ideal candidate combines strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and heat transfer with practical experience designing and experimentally validating evaporators, condensers, compressors, and refrigerant loops. This is a highly technical, hands-on R&D role with real product impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize two-phase cooling systems, including evaporators, condensers, compressors, and closed-loop refrigerant circuits for semiconductor test applications
• Define system-level architecture, component specifications, and performance requirements for refrigeration-based and phase-change cooling solutions
• Build and assemble prototype hardware, fluid loops, test rigs, and instrumentation to experimentally evaluate performance
• Plan and execute experiments to characterize thermal performance, pressure drop, stability, and reliability of two-phase systems
• Develop and validate analytical, first-principles, and simulation models for heat transfer and fluid flow in phase-change systems
• Evaluate refrigerants with respect to performance, operating temperature range, environmental impact, safety, and material compatibility
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and system teams to integrate cooling solutions into complex test platforms
• Drive design optimization for efficiency, robustness, manufacturability, and cost
• Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps for advanced thermal and two-phase cooling solutions

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's degree preferred)
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing two-phase or refrigeration-based thermal systems
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, particularly for phase-change systems
• Practical experience with compressor selection, evaporator/condenser design, and system-level performance optimization
• Hands-on experience assembling and testing fluid loops, refrigeration systems, or thermal prototypes
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (Solid Works or equivalent)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Preferred

• Experience with pumped refrigerant loops, vapor-compression systems, or thermosiphons
• Familiarity with thermal/CFD simulation tools (Solidworks, ANSYS, FloEFD, or similar)
• Experience working in semiconductor, electronics cooling, or high-power systems

Role Details

• On-site position at Advantest's Lake Forest, CA facility
• Up to 10% domestic and international travel

Why Advantest?

This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced thermal management for semiconductor testing, where cooling performance directly enables next-generation device capabilities. You'll collaborate with a global R&D organization, influence future product platforms, and help define new approaches to two-phase cooling in demanding, real-world applications.