Senior Thermal Engineer

eightsleep; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health, vision, and dental insurance

Flexible PTO

Commuter benefits

Paid parental leave

Personal Pod

Job summary

Eight Sleep in San Francisco is searching for an experienced mechanical engineer specializing in thermal design to innovate cutting-edge products. You will lead thermal performance development, ensuring that our systems meet the highest standards. With a commitment to fostering human potential through optimal sleep, Eight Sleep offers significant career growth opportunities within a dynamic, high-performance team.

The position includes responsibilities from product concept to production, with a collaborative environment that empowers employee engagement and impact.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in thermal system engineering.
• Expertise in heat transfer fundamentals and thermal instrumentation.
• Experience shipping high-volume consumer products.

Responsibilities

• Ensure products have industry-leading thermal performance.
• Optimize performance, size, noise, and cost across products.
• Work closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Thermal system engineering

Thermal and fluid analysis

Simulation tools (IcePak, Fluent)

Data analysis (Python, Matlab)

CAD (Solidworks, NX, Creo)

Education

BSME or equivalent (MS or PhD preferred)

Job description

Join the Sleep Fitness Movement

At Eight Sleep, we’re on a mission to fuel human potential through optimal sleep. As the world’s first sleep fitness company, we’re redefining what it means to be well-rested and building the most advanced hardware, software, and AI technology to make it possible. Our products power peak mental, physical, and emotional performance by transforming every night of sleep into a personalized, data‑driven recovery experience. We are trusted by high performers, professional athletes, and health‑conscious consumers in over 35 countries worldwide. Recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2026, and twice named to TIME's “Best Inventions of the Year.” We operate like a high‑performance team: fast, focused, and motivated by impact. We don’t just ship; we iterate, refine, and obsess over the details that help our members sleep better and wake up stronger.

Every role at Eight Sleep is a chance to create cutting‑edge technology, collaborate with world‑class talent, and help shape a future where sleep isn’t passive - it’s a powerful tool for living better. If you’re tired of the ordinary and driven to build at the edge of what’s possible, this is your moment. Join us and lead the movement that’s transforming how the world sleeps and what we’re all capable of when we wake up.

High Standards. No Apologies.

We operate with intensity because our mission demands it. At Eight Sleep, we bring the same mindset as the world’s top performers: focused, relentless, and always pushing to be in the top 1% of our craft. Think Kobe Bryant’s mamba mentality, applied to bold ideas, next‑gen tech, and flawless execution. This isn’t a 9‑to‑5. Our team is deeply committed, often putting in 60+ hours a week –not because we’re told to, but because we’re invested. We’re here to build fast, push limits, and deliver without compromise. If you thrive under pressure and want to do the most meaningful work of your career, you’ll feel right at home. If you’re looking for something easier –this isn’t it.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced mechanical engineer with expertise in thermal design to develop innovative products from concept through to production. You'll take ownership of the thermal performance of our systems including the thermal engine in the Pod Hub and the thermal core of the Pod Cover. You’ll be part of a small, mission‑driven team and have significant ownership over decisions. We’re growing quickly so there are ample opportunities for career growth.

The position is based out of our San Francisco office and requires ~20% travel to China to support manufacturing activities.

How You'll Contribute

• Ensure our products have industry leading thermal performance through analysis and design activities.

• Optimize factors such performance, size, noise, and cost across our product portfolio.

• Work closely with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to implement designs.

• Create and execute test plans to characterize prototypes and validate analytical results.

• Design test systems for use in development and in production.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• 3+ years of experience in thermal system engineering (e.g. heatsinks, heat pipes, TECs, insulation strategies, thermally conductive materials).

• Expertise in thermal and fluid analysis, heat transfer fundamentals, thermal instrumentation, DOEs, and root cause analysis techniques.

• Highly proficient with simulation (e.g. IcePak, Fluent) and data analysis tools (e.g. Python, Matlab)

• Experience shipping high-volume consumer products, including manufacturing support in Asia.

• Proficient in CAD (e.g. Solidworks, NX, Creo) and DFM/DFA.

• BSME or equivalent (MS or PhD preferred).

• Willingness and ability to travel to China as needed.

Why join Eight Sleep?

Innovation in a culture of excellence

Join us in a workplace where innovation isn’t just encouraged - it’s a standard. Our flagship product, the Pod, is a testament to our culture of excellence, beloved by hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide. At Eight Sleep, you will be part of a team that continuously pushes the boundaries of technology in sleep fitness.

Immediate responsibility and accelerated career growth

From your first day, you’ll take on substantial responsibilities that have a direct impact on our core business and product success. We are a small team that empowers you to own your projects and see the tangible effects of your efforts, enhancing both your professional growth and our company’s trajectory. Your path will be challenging but rewarding, perfect for those who thrive in fast‑paced environments aiming for high standards.

Collaboration with exceptional talent

Work alongside other bright minds like you: at Eight Sleep exceptional intelligence and a passion for breakthroughs are the norms. Our team members are not only experts in their fields but also avid innovators who thrive in our dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

Equitable compensation and continuous equity investment

We extend equity participation to every full‑time team member, recognizing and rewarding your direct contributions to our success. This includes periodic equity refreshments based on performance, ensuring that as Eight Sleep grows and succeeds, so do you – perfectly aligning your achievements with the broader triumphs of the company.

Your own Pod - and other great benefits

Every Eight Sleep employee receives the very product that defines our mission: a Pod of their own. If you join us you’ll get your own Pod, along with:

• Full access to health, vision and dental insurance for you and your dependents

• Supplemental life insurance

• Flexible PTO

• Commuter benefits to ease your daily commute

• Paid parental leave

At Eight Sleep we continually celebrate the diverse community different individuals cultivate. As an equal opportunity employer, we stay true to our values by ensuring everyone feels they can flourish and grow. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.