Senior Mechanical Engineer; Chassis

Piper Companies is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer (Chassis) to join a cutting-edge AI hardware startup focused on high-performance computing infrastructure. The Senior Mechanical Engineer (Chassis) will lead the design and development of system chassis and enclosures for next-generation rack-mounted computing platforms, driving innovation across mechanical architecture, manufacturability, and system integration. Must be onsite in Saratoga, CA

• Lead the mechanical architecture and design of rack-mounted computing systems, including sheet-metal chassis, enclosures, and structural frames.
• Design board-level mounting structures, card cages, PSU mounts, and cable management solutions for high-speed electronics.
• Develop manufacturable sheet-metal components including bending, stamping, PEM hardware integration, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners to optimize designs for cost, scalability, and assembly efficiency.
• Partner with thermal engineering teams to integrate cooling solutions such as cold plates, liquid cooling hardware, airflow ducting, and manifolds.
• Ensure designs meet thermal performance, serviceability, and reliability requirements.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) throughout the product lifecycle.
• Create production-ready CAD models, detailed drawings, and support supplier/ODM engagements.
• Support prototype builds, EVT/DVT/PVT validation, and production ramp activities.
• Conduct structural validation, shock/vibration testing, thermal cycling, and reliability assessments.
• Investigate failures, perform root‑cause analysis, and implement design improvements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, thermal, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure successful system integration.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience designing mechanical systems for electronics hardware.
• Hands‑on experience designing sheet‑metal chassis and enclosures for rack‑mounted systems.
• Proven experience taking designs from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of sheet‑metal fabrication processes including bending, stamping, PEM hardware, and tolerance stack‑ups.
• Experience with DFM/DFA principles and manufacturing best practices.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as Solid Works, Creo, or NX.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in cross‑functional engineering environments.
• Experience in server, networking, or data center hardware environments preferred.
• Experience integrating liquid cooling solutions and working with ODMs or contract manufacturers preferred.
• Familiarity with simulation tools such as Ansys Mechanical, Icepak, or Flotherm is a plus.
• Experience supporting EVT/DVT/PVT builds and reliability testing is preferred.

• Salary range: $210,000 - $260,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage

This job opens for applications on 06/28/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.