Thermal Design Engineer

About The Role

The Staff Thermal Design Engineer is responsible for assisting in the development of key thermal components and systems from concept to engineering release of new products. The focus is on running server system thermal tests using data acquisition equipment, thermal stress test software, and external power control equipment. The thermal engineer troubleshoots thermal and/or airflow issues in new and existing product lines using empirical data and commercial CFD software.

The Sr. Staff Thermal engineer plays an active role in developing thermal components using 3D CAD software and advanced engineering analysis. A candidate for this role will be responsible for owning thermal design and optimization for new hardware and evaluating thermal technology across compute and storage devices, from liquid cooling to thermal critical components, and optimizing the hardware for high‑performance, efficient data center operation.

The engineer will be responsible for solving heat transfer problems occurring in complex subcomponents or full hardware systems, using comprehensive thermal design fundamentals and analytical tools. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work with other function teams and vendors to strengthen their knowledge base.

In addition, the thermal engineer provides regular Q&A and on‑site support to ZT Systems’ manufacturing engineering group as well as technical support for customers.

• Create analytical and numerical models by CFD or relevant simulation tools to describe system thermal for new projects
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams throughout the product development process, from conceptualization to prototyping and production
• Work with the engineering team to optimize the thermal performance of servers using empirical data and bench test methods
• Develop and execute test plans to measure thermal performance/efficiency of hardware and thermal technologies
• Responsible for full cycle program and project management of key thermal components from engineering design to new product release
• Design and investigate innovative thermal cooling solutions for server/rack level products
• Interface with the Firmware team to implement fan speed control algorithm
• Optimize airflow speed, volume, and flow paths to meet customer and component requirements
• Proactively resolve any performance issues that arise, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality solutions
• Analyze and solve technical problems in a fast‑paced environment
• Produce engineering documents that include design drawings, thermal reports, installation manuals from test and simulation data/results
• Focus on continuous improvement to maintain the highest quality standards
• Select and decide the appropriate methods and plans to verify thermal related issues and ensure good system thermal performance
• Engage with external vendors including ODM and component vendors on design, test and production
• Survey, study, test and verify liquid cooling components
• Support new and existing product lines to verify and confirm thermal and/or airflow related issues and provide solutions
• Support procurement team to identify and manage heat sink, air mover, and liquid cooling vendors

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Electrical Engineering;
  Master’s strongly preferred
• 8+ years of related experience
• Experience with testing and/or simulation for servers is a plus
• Strong background in heat transfer and fluid dynamics with expertise in electronics cooling
• CAD (Creo or Solidworks) and CFD experience required (Flo Therm or Icepack)
• Testing experience in a lab required, including instrumentation, data acquisition and data analysis
• Experience creating automated test infrastructure using programs such as LabVIEW and scripted languages such as Python
• Experienced in dealing with system‐related thermal solution issues
• Comfortable with hands‑on testing and working in a lab, fast‑paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to solve complex problems and drive programs to completion
• Self‑motivated in root‑cause resolution, new knowledge learning and sharing
• Comprehensive understanding of…