Sr. Thermal Engineer - Server Design

Lenovo; North Carolina; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Lenovo is seeking a Sr. Thermal Engineer with a specialty in fluid dynamics to advance energy-efficient thermal solutions for x86 server products.

The role emphasizes leading system-level thermal design decisions, validating designs through CFD, testing, and prototyping, and coordinating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in server design or related fields, experience with CFD tools (Flotherm FLOEFD, Star-CCM+, Macroflow), and a track record of driving

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant work experience, preferably server design
• Experience using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools to predict operating performance of the server
• Modeling and testing skills to validate a design are required
• Data acquisition and ability to organize and summarize results
• Familiar with Fan Speed Control algorithm and tuning method
• Leadership in system-level thermal design decisions and production readiness

Responsibilities

• Review server system concepts and enable a thermal solution compliant with component specs
• Ensure PCB layouts allow thermal solution placement and adequate airflow/waterflow
• Select fans, heatsinks and components that are low cost yet meet performance targets
• Provide mechanical and thermal review for prototypes
• Document and analyze simulation and test results; write test plans
• Conduct thermal tests to qualify the design
• Monitor industry trends and drive new technology pre-research
• Define system thermal architecture and cooling budgets; lead trade-offs across performance, power, acoustics, cost, serviceability
• Define thermal component specs and qualification criteria; review supplier designs and drive issues to closure
• Support NPI and sustaining activities by resolving thermal issues in manufacturing and field operations

Job description

We are Lenovo. We do what we say. We own what we do. We WOW our customers.

Lenovo is a US$83 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #153 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY).

This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

This position is for a Sr. Thermal Engineer with a specialty in fluid dynamics, and a focus on energy efficient product design. Lenovo researches, develops, and manufactures x86 processor-based servers. The pace of technology change in this market is rapid, and our development engineers are constantly challenged to improve the thermal performance and efficiency of our products. Lenovo is looking for an engineer with a strong desire to innovate on thermal solutions for our server products.

Position Requirements

• Review server system concepts and market requirements and enable a thermal solution that is compliant to the specifications of the critical components.
• Ensure that the printed circuit board layouts permit thermal solution placement and adequate airflow / waterflow to cool all components
• Select fans, heat sinks, and other thermal solution components which are low cost yet meet all performance requirements
• Provide mechanical and thermal review for prototyping boards
• Document and analyze simulation and test results
• Write test plans
• Conduct thermal tests to qualify the design
• Responsible for Server systems thermal solution design and validation
• Monitor industry trends and drive new technology/solution pre-research
• Develop and optimize thermal design process, design guide, test method, and script/criteria
• Define system thermal architecture and cooling budgets, and lead trade-off decisions across performance, power, acoustics, cost, and serviceability.
• Assess thermal design margins across component variations, environmental conditions, and cooling failure scenarios, and define mitigation and validation plans.
• Define thermal component specifications and qualification criteria, review supplier designs and performance data, and drive technical issues to closure.
• Support NPI and sustaining activities by resolving thermal issues identified during manufacturing and field operation, and incorporating lessons learned into future designs

Basic Requirements

• 12+ years of relevant work experience, preferably server design
• Experience using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools to predict operating performance of the server, preferably Siemens Flotherm FLOEFD and Star-CCM+, and Marcroflow, mechanical tools (pro/E, AutoCAD).
• Modeling and testing skills to validate a design is required. E.g. measuring airflow and temperature on the air bench
• Data acquisition and ability to organize and summarize results
• Be familiar with Fan Speed Control algorithm and tuning method
• Self‑motivated to learn and explore new technologies, and possesses an innovative mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to lead system-level thermal design decisions and deliver server products from concept through qualification and production.
• Experience defining server liquid cooling requirements, including coolant inlet temperature, flow rate, pressure drop, and heat removal capacity, and coordinating interfaces with rack manifolds and CDUs
• Knowledge of coolant quality, wetted-material compatibility, corrosion prevention, leak detection, and liquid cooling serviceability.

Preferred Requirements

• Code skills such as Matlab, Python, or Java to automate data collection and report generation is desired.
• Knowledge of computer firmware code and algorithms that set operating points, and fault conditions is desired.
• Knowledge of CAD, material strength, power consumption, and acoustics requirements and the impact of thermal designs on them is desired.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any federal, state, or local protected class.