Senior Thermal Architect for Photonic Systems

Xscape Photonics Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Xscape Photonics seeks a Staff or Principal Thermal Engineer to own thermal architecture for photonic and electronic systems, from concept through production.

You will lead cooling design (TECs, TIMs, heat spreaders, air and liquid cooling), perform CFD analyses, and set test strategies with IR imaging and thermocouples. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration and on-site leadership in Santa Clara, CA.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, with heat transfer focus.
• 8+ years of thermal engineering experience for Staff; 12+ years for Principal.
• Experience designing cooling with TECs, TIMs, heat sinks and air/liquid cooling.
• Deep CFD simulation expertise and setting simulation strategy.
• Hands-on thermal test and validation (IR imaging, thermocouples, DAQ).
• Experience owning thermal architecture at system/program level.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• On-site role based in Santa Clara, CA.

Responsibilities

• Own thermal architecture and strategy for photonic modules across programs from concept to production.
• Lead design and development of cooling solutions using TECs, TIMs, heat spreaders/heat sinks, air and liquid cooling.
• Set thermal simulation methodology and standards; drive CFD analysis strategy.
• Define and own the thermal test and validation strategy, including instrumentation and test-to-simulation correlation.
• Own thermal-related failure analysis and feed findings back into design margins.
• Represent thermal engineering in customer and leadership reviews; partner with mechanical, packaging, and reliability teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and potentially lead a small thermal team as the group scales.
• Own thermal risk assessment and technical documentation across programs.

Skills

Thermal design & architecture

CFD simulation

Thermal test & validation

TEC/TIM cooling

Cross-functional leadership

Thermal failure analysis

Programming (Python/MATLAB)

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (heat transfer)

Tools

Ansys Icepak

Ansys Fluent

IR thermography tools

Job description

Xscape Photonics seeks a Staff or Principal Thermal Engineer to own thermal architecture for photonic and electronic systems, from concept through production.

You will lead cooling design (TECs, TIMs, heat spreaders, air and liquid cooling), perform CFD analyses, and set test strategies with IR imaging and thermocouples. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration and on-site leadership in Santa Clara, CA.