Senior Thermal Design Engineer - Server Cooling

ZT Systems; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ZT Systems is seeking a Staff Thermal Design Engineer to lead thermal components from concept through release for data center servers. You will run CFD-based analyses, develop cooling strategies, and collaborate with firmware, mechanical, and supplier teams to optimize airflow and heat transfer.

The role requires hands-on lab testing, detailed documentation, and proactive problem-solving in a fast-paced environment to ensure high-performance, energy-efficient hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of related experience in thermal design for server/assets.
• Experience with testing and/or simulation for servers; heat transfer and fluid dynamics.
• CAD + CFD experience with FloTherm or Icepak; lab testing and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Create analytical and numerical models using CFD to describe system thermal performance.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams from concept to production.
• Optimize server thermal performance via empirical data and bench tests.
• Develop and execute test plans to measure thermal performance and efficiency.
• Manage full cycle of thermal components from design to release.
• Design innovative cooling solutions for server/rack level products.
• Interface with Firmware to implement fan speed control algorithms.
• Analyze airflow to meet component requirements and resolve issues.
• Produce design drawings, thermal reports, and installation manuals.
• Drive continuous improvement to maintain high quality standards.
• Engage with ODMs and vendors on design, test, and production.
• Survey and verify liquid cooling components and related hardware.
• Support procurement in identifying heat sink, air mover and cooling vendors.

Skills

CFD modelling

Thermal analysis

Heat transfer

Airflow optimization

LabVIEW scripting

Python scripting

Data acquisition

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

Creo/SolidWorks

FloTherm

Icepack

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

ZT Systems is seeking a Staff Thermal Design Engineer to lead thermal components from concept through release for data center servers. You will run CFD-based analyses, develop cooling strategies, and collaborate with firmware, mechanical, and supplier teams to optimize airflow and heat transfer.

The role requires hands-on lab testing, detailed documentation, and proactive problem-solving in a fast-paced environment to ensure high-performance, energy-efficient hardware.