Staff Thermal Design Engineer

ZT Systems; Georgetown (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus eligibility

401(k) retirement savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

Parental leave

Structured training

Job summary

ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, seeks a Sr. Staff Thermal Design Engineer to lead thermal components from concept to release for high-performance servers. You will run CFD tests, develop CAD thermal models, and collaborate across functions to optimize cooling and data-center efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a strong heat transfer and fluid dynamics background, hands-on lab experience, and proficiency with Creo/SolidWorks and CFD tools. This role offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical engineering with 8+ years' experience.
• Strong background in heat transfer and fluid dynamics for electronics cooling.
• Experience with CFD and lab testing; instrumentation and data analysis.
• Proficient in Creo or SolidWorks and CFD tools (FloTherm/Icepak).
• Hands-on lab work and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Create analytical and numerical models using CFD to describe system thermal performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams through concept to production.
• Optimize thermal performance of servers using empirical data and bench tests.
• Develop and execute test plans for thermal performance and efficiency.
• Own full-cycle thermal design from engineering to product release.
• Design innovative cooling solutions for server/rack level products.
• Interface with Firmware to implement fan speed control algorithms.
• Analyze and resolve thermal issues; generate design drawings and reports.
• Engage with external vendors and support procurement for heat sinks and cooling.
• Support continuous improvement and high-quality thermal solutions.

Skills

Thermal design

CFD

Data analysis

Lab testing

Python scripting

LabVIEW

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

FloTherm

Icepak

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

About The Role

The Sr. Staff Thermal Design Engineer is responsible for assisting in the development of key thermal components & systems from concept to engineering release of new products. The focus is on running server system thermal tests using data acquisition equipment, thermal stress test software, and external power control equipment. The thermal engineer troubleshoots thermal and/or airflow issues in new and existing product lines using empirical data and commercial CFD software. The Sr. Staff Thermal engineer plays an active role in developing thermal components using 3D CAD software and advanced engineering analysis. A candidate for this role will be responsible for owning thermal design and optimization for new hardware and evaluating thermal technology. The involved system design across compute and storage devices, evaluating and advancing current and emerging thermal technologies, from liquid cooling to thermal critical components, and optimizing the hardware for high performing, efficient data center operation. The engineer will be responsible for solving heat transfer problems occurring in complex subcomponents or full hardware systems, using comprehensive thermal design fundamentals and analytical tools. The ideal candidate would have the ability to work with other function teams in ZT and vendors to strength their knowledge base.

In addition, the thermal engineer provides regular Q&A and on-site support to ZT Systems’ manufacturing engineering group as well as technical support for customers.

What You Will Do

• Create analytical and numerical models by CFD or relevant simulation tools to describe system thermal for new projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product development process, from conceptualization to prototyping and production
• Work with the engineering team to optimize the thermal performance of servers using empirical data and bench test methods
• Develop and execute test plans to measure thermal performance/efficiency of hardware and thermal technologies
• Responsible for full cycle program / project management of key thermal components from engineering design to new product release
• Design and investigate innovative thermal cooling solutions for server/rack level products
• Interface with the Firmware team to implement fan speed control algorithm.
• Optimize airflow speed, volume, and flow paths to meet customer and components requirements
• Proactively resolve any performance issues that arise, ensuring the delivery of high-quality solutions
• Analyze and solve technical problems/issues in a fast-paced environment
• Produce engineering documents that include design drawings, thermal reports, installation manuals from test and simulation data/result
• Focused on the pursuit of continuous improvement to maintain the highest quality standards
• Select/decide the appropriate methods and plans to verify thermal related issue to ensure good system thermal performance
• Engage with external vendors including ODM and component vendors on design, test and production
• Liquid cooling components survey, study, test and verify
• Support new and existing product lines verify/confirm thermal and/or airflow related issues and provide solutions
• Support procurement team to identify and manage heat sink, air mover and liquid cooling vendors

What You Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. Master's strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of related experience
• Experience with testing and/or simulation experience for server is a plus
• Strong background in heat transfer and fluid dynamics with expertise in electronics cooling
• CAD (Creo or Solidworks) + CFD experience required (FloTherm or Icepack)
• Testing experience in lab is required. Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition and data analysis
• Create automated test infrastructure through the use of programs such as LabVIEW and scripted languages such as Python
• Experienced in dealing system-related thermal solution issues.
• Comfortable in doing hands-on testing and working in a lab, fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), able to solve complex problems and drive program to completion
• Self-motivated in issue root cause resolution, new knowledge learning and sharing
• Comprehensive understanding of system-level server platforms and the interplay between their components
• Strong comprehension of hardware and system firmware/software interactions, coupled with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues
• Proactive orientation towards seizing opportunities and identifying potential problems
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify key elements of a situation and develop innovative solutions
• Strong skills in hands-on execution and project management
• Strong planning and priority-setting abilities

About ZT Systems

At ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, you'll get to do work you are proud of alongside smart, passionate people. Every day, there are opportunities to collaborate with the best in the industry to design, build, and deliver impactful solutions to world-class customers. Along the way, you will gain hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced environment that’s challenging, rewarding, and career‑defining.

A culture built around our values we work hard and think fast. We view challenges as opportunities—to do better, push harder, and be faster than we were the day before. When we fail, we learn from it and move on together. And when we succeed, we use the momentum to go even further. We create value with everything we do, building the foundation of today—and transforming the future of tomorrow.

Join ZT Systems and help us build technology infrastructure that connects the world.

What We Offer

At ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, we believe that investing in our people is key to our continued growth and innovation. When you join our team, you'll gain access to a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, financial security, and professional development—both now and in the future.

Compensation & Financial Security

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based annual bonus eligibility
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible education programs

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with access to leading providers
• Mental health resources and employee wellness support programs

Time Away & Work-Life Balance

• Paid time off (PTO) and company‑paid holidays
• Parental leave and family care support programs

Growth & Purpose

• Structured training programs and on‑the‑job learning opportunities
• Matching gifts and volunteer programs to support causes you care about

These benefits are available to eligible employees and are designed to grow with you as your career evolves. Full benefits and eligibility varies by work location. Learn more about our benefits here.

ZT Group Int’l. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. ZT Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Please be aware that certain positions may require the applicant to either 1) be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.

• 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158, or 2) be eligible to obtain an export control license or license exception from the Bureau of Industry and Science & U.S. Department of Commerce. All offers of employment will be conditional subject to the foregoing.