Product Engineer III

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions in Fremont, CA seeks an experienced Thermal Engineer to lead characterization, modeling, and validation of advanced thermal control assemblies in semiconductor equipment. You will develop physics-based, experimentally validated transfer functions to predict performance differences between coolant formulations.

The role combines thermal analysis, laboratory experimentation, modeling, instrumentation, fluid dynamics, and data science to improve thermal performance across complex

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, Applied Physics, Thermal Sciences or related field.
• 5+ years in thermal engineering, heat transfer, or related fields.
• 3+ years of lab-based thermal testing and instrumentation experience.
• 3+ years evaluating thermal performance of fluid-cooled systems.
• 3+ years using Python and/or MATLAB for engineering analysis and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Characterize thermal performance of liquid-cooled assemblies containing embedded heaters and cooling systems.
• Measure mean operating temperature, temperature uniformity, spatial gradients, thermal transient response, and settling behavior.
• Design and conduct thermal experiments to isolate and quantify key thermal mechanisms.
• Specify instrumentation including thermocouples, RTDs, flow sensors, pressure sensors, infrared cameras, and data acquisition.
• Evaluate effects of coolant properties, flow conditions, thermal interfaces, and manufacturing tolerances on system performance.
• Develop analytical, reduced-order, and computational thermal models of complex assemblies.
• Create and validate transfer functions to predict thermal performance differences between coolant formulations.
• Correlate experimental data with model predictions and improve model accuracy.
• Develop automated data processing and analysis tools using Python and/or MATLAB.
• Generate technical reports and present findings to engineering teams and leadership.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Education

MS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Aerospace Engineering

MS in Chemical Engineering

MS in Applied Physics

MS in Thermal Sciences

Related Engineering Discipline

Tools

Infrared cameras

Thermocouples

RTDs

Flow sensors

Pressure instrumentation

Data Acquisition Systems

Thermal test stands

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to lead the characterization, modeling, and validation of advanced thermal control assemblies used in semiconductor equipment. This role focuses on developing a physics-based and experimentally validated thermal transfer function capable of predicting performance changes between two coolant formulations.

This is a highly technical position that combines thermal analysis, laboratory experimentation, modeling, instrumentation, fluid dynamics, and data science. The successful candidate will play a critical role in helping engineering teams understand and optimize thermal performance across complex thermal management systems.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Work on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies and advanced thermal management systems.
• Lead a highly visible engineering project with significant technical impact.
• Combine hands‑on laboratory experimentation with advanced analytical modeling.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams solving complex thermal challenges.
• Apply both first‑principles engineering and data‑driven modeling approaches.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This project offers the opportunity to develop and validate predictive thermal models that directly impact product performance. You'll work at the intersection of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, instrumentation, modeling, and experimental validation while influencing future thermal system designs and engineering methodologies.

What You'll Do:

• Characterize thermal performance of liquid‑cooled thermal control assemblies containing embedded heaters and cooling systems.
• Measure and evaluate:
  • Mean operating temperature
  • Temperature uniformity
  • Spatial temperature gradients
  • Thermal transient response
  • Thermal settling behavior
• Design and execute thermal experiments to isolate and quantify key thermal mechanisms.
• Specify and implement instrumentation including:
  • Thermocouples
  • RTDs
  • Flow sensors
  • Pressure sensors
  • Infrared cameras
  • Data acquisition systems
• Evaluate the effects of coolant properties, flow conditions, thermal interfaces, and manufacturing tolerances on system performance.
• Develop analytical, reduced‑order, and computational thermal models of complex assemblies.
• Create and validate transfer functions to predict thermal performance differences between coolant formulations.
• Correlate experimental data with model predictions and continuously improve model accuracy.
• Develop automated data processing and analysis tools using Python and/or MATLAB.
• Generate technical reports and present findings to engineering teams and leadership.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• 5+ years of experience in Thermal Engineering, Heat Transfer, Thermal Management, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical fields.
• 5+ years of experience developing, validating, and correlating thermal models using experimental data.
• 3+ years of experience performing laboratory‑based thermal testing, instrumentation, and engineering experimentation.
• 3+ years of experience evaluating thermal performance of fluid‑cooled, temperature‑controlled, or precision thermal systems.
• 3+ years of experience utilizing Python and/or MATLAB for engineering analysis, data processing, and model development.
• 2+ years of experience working with hardware test systems, data acquisition platforms, and engineering instrumentation.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Applied Physics
  • Thermal Sciences
  • Related Engineering Discipline

What Sets You Apart:

Thermal Engineering Expertise

• Expert knowledge of:
  • Heat Transfer
  • Thermal Management Systems
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Rheology
  • Convective Cooling
  • Precision Temperature Control Systems
• Experience modeling thermal behavior in assemblies containing:
  • Metals
  • Ceramics
  • Polymers
  • Thermal Interface Materials
  • Electronic Components

Modeling & Simulation

• Physics‑Based Models
• Hybrid Analytical Models
• Transfer Functions
• Experience with:
  • Parameter Estimation
  • Regression Analysis
  • Model Calibration
  • System Identification
  • State Estimation
  • Uncertainty Quantification

Experimental & Measurement Skills

• Experience with:
  • Infrared Thermography
  • Thermocouples
  • RTDs
  • Flow Measurement Systems
  • Pressure Instrumentation
  • Thermal Test Stands
  • Data Acquisition Systems
• Experience optimizing thermal uniformity and temperature control systems.
• Familiarity with thermal management for electronic and PCB‑based assemblies.

Software & Analytics

• Advanced proficiency with:
  • Python
  • MATLAB
• Automated Analysis Tools
• Data Processing Workflows
• Statistical Analysis Models

Leadership & Communication

• Strong analytical and scientific problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to independently design experiments and solve multidisciplinary engineering problems.
• Hands‑on laboratory mindset with a passion for experimentation.
• Excellent presentation and technical communication skills.
• Ability to simplify complex thermal concepts for diverse audiences.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check.
• Overtime: May be required based on project milestones and testing schedules.
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid/Flex schedule with 3-5 days onsite and up to 2 days remote.
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM PST.
• Worksite Location: 4300 Cushing Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538.
• Interview Process:
  • Technical phone/online screening
  • Onsite interview
  • Technical presentation
  • Two to three one‑on‑one interviews
• Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.

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Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.