Thermal/Mechanical Engineer, NPI Technical Readiness

Meta; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 173,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta is seeking an experienced thermal engineer to lead thermal architecture alignment and NPI initiatives across hyperscaler data centers. You will partner with hardware and data center teams to define cooling strategies for new compute architectures and high-density racks.

The role requires coordinating with data center operations, ODMs/OEMs, and global teams, delivering tested design solutions, and traveling up to 25% as needed.

Qualifications

• BS in thermal/mechanical engineering or related field is required
• 8+ years in development engineering, system validation, or data center ops in AI/ML or hyperscaler environments
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Knowledge of thermal/mechanical design and validation for rack-level or data center cooling
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive production-ready processes for new tech
• Familiarity with ASIC, compute, storage, and network hardware concepts
• Experience working in a global environment with remote teams
• Experience with operational validation methods for new product integration
• Ability to mentor teams and improve tools/processes

Responsibilities

• Conduct architecture reviews for mass production in data center environments
• Lead technical readiness assessments for deployment alignment (thermal, mechanical, spatial, hardware)
• Perform airflow and liquid flow analysis; assess design margins and system control guidance
• Collaborate to define requirements and deliver NUDD equipment for deployment
• Coordinate with teams to align hardware platform roadmaps and milestones
• Liaise with Data Center Operations to confirm infra deployment and ops requirements
• Work with ODM/OEM vendors to define specs and integration strategy
• Capture lessons from production issues and create related test cases
• Travel domestically and/or internationally up to 25%

Skills

Thermal engineering

Mechanical engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Hardware troubleshooting

Global collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in engineering (thermal/mechanical)

Master’s or PhD in Electrical/Mechanical/Thermal Engineering

Tools

6Sigma CFD

Icepak

Fluent

Job description

Summary:

Meta is looking for an experienced thermal engineer to oversee thermal architecture alignment and new product introduction (NPI) initiatives across hyperscaler data center environments. The candidate will partner with cross-functional hardware and data center engineering teams to establish thermal management approaches for novel compute architectures, bespoke ASICs, and high-density rack deployments driving Meta's global facilities. Additionally, this position requires liaising with data center operations to verify deployment readiness and furnish comprehensive technical support.

Required Skills:

Thermal/Mechanical Engineer, NPI Technical Readiness Responsibilities:

1. Conduct architecture reviews with hardware engineering teams to analyze and develop an efficient interface and deployment strategy for mass production within the data center environment

2. Direct product reviews and deliver the technical readiness assessment for deployment alignment, with a specific focus on thermal, mechanical, spatial, and hardware compatibility

3. Perform airflow and liquid flow demand vs. capacity analysis, identifying the design margin and provide guidance on system control for efficient and reliable operation

4. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define the requirements and deliver the necessary NUDD equipment to support the deployment

5. Partner with cross-functional teams and development partners to deliver harmonized new hardware platform roadmaps and secure an agreement on implementation milestones

6. Liaise with cross-functional partners in Meta’s Data Center Operations team to ascertain infrastructure deployment and operational requirements

7. Work with ODM/OEM vendors as necessary to define product specifications, development plans, and the integration strategy within the data center

8. Capture lessons learned from production issues and create corresponding test cases to address these issues in subsequent hardware platforms

9. Domestic and/or international travel, up to 25%, is required

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, in thermal, mechanical, or equivalent technical experience is required

2. Minimum of 8 years of experience in development engineering, system validation testing or data center operation of AI/ML computer, networking equipment, and/or hyperscaler data center environments is mandatory

3. Possession of robust communication skills and a demonstrated capacity to influence cross-functional teams is essential

4. Domain knowledge in thermal engineering and/or mechanical engineering with hands-on experience with designing, modeling, and validation of rack-level or data center cooling solutions

5. A proven history of navigating ambiguity and establishing processes for novel technologies, and successfully transitioning them into production, is required

6. Technical aptitude, evidenced by familiarity with ASIC, compute, storage, and network architecture and components, hardware troubleshooting and diagnosis capabilities, and/or hardware manufacturing processes

7. Experience operating within a global environment, including collaboration with remote teams, is required

8. Demonstrated experience with operational validation methodologies and verification activities pertinent to new product integration is expected

9. The ability to cultivate effective cross-functional relationships and influence policies and procedures to enhance the integration of hardware platforms into the data center

10. The capacity to mentor team members in evaluating and identifying improved methods for issue resolution and defining updates to tools and processes is expected

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Familiarity with the airflow or liquid flow CFDs such as 6Sigma, Icepak or Fluent

2. Expertise in AI/ML product integration and deployment in the data center at scale

3. Proven experience in developing for, or managing, large-scale server installations

4. Experience in utilizing AI-driven tools for workflow development

5. Demonstrated experience with hardware development and/or data center design

6. Master’s or PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal Engineering

Public Compensation:

$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Industry:

Internet

Equal Opportunity:

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affinity Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].