Principal Thermal Hardware Engineer (NetSec)

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Thermal Engineer to innovate thermal solutions for cutting-edge products. This role involves collaborating with mechanical engineers, conducting feasibility studies, and optimizing thermal designs to ensure performance and cost-effectiveness. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to developing new products and sustaining existing ones, contributing to impactful technology in the cybersecurity sector. If you are passionate about thermal engineering and thrive in a collaborative environment, this opportunity offers a creative and innovative workspace where your expertise will be valued.

Benefits

FLEXwork arrangements

Restricted stock units

Bonus opportunities

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in PAN product design with cooling solutions.
• Deep knowledge of active and passive thermal design solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support thermal design for NPI and sustaining programs.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on thermal solutions.

Skills

Thermal Design Solutions

Cross-functional Communication

Telecom Rack Design

ASIC Package Design

Cooling Solutions

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Flowtherm

Icepak

Job description

Job Description

Your Career

We are seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to support the development and optimization of thermal solutions for PAN (Product Area Network) products. In this role, you will collaborate directly with mechanical engineers to design, evaluate, and improve thermal systems. You will ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in all thermal aspects of our NPI (New Product Introduction) and sustaining programs.

Your Impact

• Support all PAN product development thermal effort in both NPI & Sustaining
• Support ASIC team in the determining thermal package performance prior to release for manufacture
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to co-develop NPI product thermal solutions
• Conduct early-stage thermal feasibility studies and case studies to evaluate design viability & product environmental requirements
• Create, present and maintain thermal simulation models throughout the product development from conceptual to FCS
• Optimize both internal and external thermal design solutions to ensure high-quality, low-cost solutions
• Attend regularly scheduled engineering meetings to review progress and updates
• Co-present thermal solutions, risk during system design reviews at each release
• Support thermal profiling testing. Review and approve the final thermal reports prior to each mechanical release
• Assist with sustaining thermal efforts when requested, ensuring long-term product performance
• Support PAN NPI sustaining programs during early development phases, including tasks like air temperature plots, junction/case temperatures, enclosure touch temperatures, and heat spreader/heat sink design guidelines
• Provide practical recommendations on thermal interface materials, assembly mounting, and overall thermal solution performance

Qualifications:
Qualifications

Your Experience

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of both active and passive thermal design solutions
• Strong understanding of telecom 19" rack and desktop design solutions
• Ability to work across functional teams, including hardware engineering, operations, manufacturing, and quality teams
• Excellent understanding of ASIC package design

Communication

• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate thermal concepts and collaborate with various stakeholders

Experience

• 7-10 years of experience in PAN product design, specializing in both passive and active cooling solutions
• Flowtherm & Icepak modeling capabilities

Education

• PhD, MS, or BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent military experience required

Additional Information

• You will be an integral part of our product development lifecycle, providing essential thermal solutions for both new product introductions and sustaining programs
• This role requires flexibility and a proactive mindset, as you will be supporting multiple efforts simultaneously across various stages of development

Why Palo Alto Networks?

• Develop NPI hardware in a creative and innovative environment
• Imagine new opportunities in areas that matter and will impact the world you live in
• Be a part of a high performing team of the world's best cybersecurity companies
• FLEXwork arrangements to support you in working in the way that you work best

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/commissioned roles) is expected to be between $166000/YR - $267500/YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

Our Commitment

We’re problem solvers that take risks and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at [e-mail].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.