Senior Staff Engineer, Thermal Simulation

Samsung Semiconductor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 189,000 - 301,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4+ weeks paid time off

Medical/Dental/Vision/401k

Charitable giving match

Flexible rewards and benefits

Job summary

Samsung Semiconductor seeks a highly experienced Senior Staff Thermal Engineer to lead thermal modeling and solution development for semiconductors and advanced packaging. You will work with cross-functional teams, customers, and internal engineers to optimize thermal designs from concept to validation.

The role requires a PhD with 10+ years in thermal/fluids, hands-on CFD tool use, and strong communication skills. Daily onsite in San Jose with travel up to 20% is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluids or related field with 10+ years of industry experience preferred.
• Experience in CFD tools and analyzing electronic packaging issues during assembly and operation.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluids and electronics cooling fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on thermal modeling for semiconductors, advanced packaging and electronic systems.
• Build and analyze detailed models using CFD tools and post-process results.
• Influence design choices, materials and thermal performance under varying conditions.
• Translate customer requirements into simulation methodologies and deliver recommendations.
• Present findings in reports and reviews with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Thermal modeling

CFD tools

Heat transfer

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Icepak

Flotherm

CELSIUS

SiP analysis tools

Job description

Advancing the World’s Technology Together

Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

We are seeking a highly experienced hands‑on Senior Staff Thermal Engineer to lead thermal modeling, analysis, and solution development for semiconductors and advanced packaging technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in semiconductor packaging, advanced packaging, electronics cooling, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in thermal simulation and analysis.

This role will work closely with Samsung customers and internal engineering customers and internal engineering teams to develop and optimize thermal solutions from early product through detailed modeling and design validation.

The successful candidate will collaborate extensively with cross functional and cross-cultural teams.

Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy with 10-20% of domestic and international travel.

Reports to: Thermal/Mechanical Simulation Manager

What You’ll Do

• Lead and perform hands‑on thermal modeling and analysis for semiconductor packages, advanced packaging, and electronic systems.
• Build and analyze detailed models using ANSYS Icepak and Siemens Flotherm, including model setup, boundary conditions, solver execution and post‑processing.
• Influence the architecture and/or design, materials selection, and structural integrity of the high‑performance advanced packaging, and other associated components and collaterals under manufacturing, test, and usage conditions.
• Analyze simulation and measurement results to enhance product reliability.
• Support Samsung customers throughout the product development cycle, from early thermal architecture and feasibility studies to detailed modeling, optimizations, and design recommendations.
• Translate customer requirements and thermal specifications into simulation methodologies.
• Develop best known standards and methodologies and create innovative solutions for challenging semiconductor and packaging applications.
• Communicate technical findings clearly through engineering reports, presentations and customer reviews.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in advanced packaging, HBM, 2.5D/3D integrations, high power computing, and electronics cooling.

What You Bring

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluids, or related Physical Science with 10+ years of Industry Experience is preferred.
• Experience in the use of CFD tools such as ANSYS Icepak, Flotherm, CELSIUS and analyzing, debugging, and proposing solutions to resolve various electronic packaging issues observed during assembly, reliability and operation. Ability to independently build models, perform analysis, troubleshoot results and develop engineering recommendations.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermal management, and electronics cooling fundamentals.
• Fundamental understanding of IC chip/package architectures and thermal design constraints.
• Working experience in SiP (System in Package) thermal analysis.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross functional and cross cultural teams.
• You’re inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

What We Offer

The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job‑related knowledge, skills,and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.

Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.

Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, medical travel support, and virtual vet care for your fur babies.

Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.

Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.

Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range

$189,000—$301,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long‑term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy‑related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

Our Commitment to Innovation and Fairness

At Samsung Semiconductor, we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the recruitment process to enhance efficiency. However, AI is used as a support tool, not a final decision‑maker. All hiring decisions are made by our human recruiting team and hiring managers to ensure every candidate is evaluated fairly and holistically.