Staff Thermal Design Engineer

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

## Staff Thermal Design EngineerApply: Secaucus, NJ: Georgetown, TX: Full time: Posted Yesterday: R-105387**About The Role**The 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