Thermal/Mechanical Engineer, NPI Technical Readiness

Meta; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta seeks an experienced Thermal/Mechanical Engineer to drive thermal architecture alignment and NPI readiness across hyperscaler data center environments. You will partner with hardware and data center teams to craft cooling strategies for novel compute architectures and high-density racks, ensuring deployment readiness.

The role requires travel up to 25%, strong communication to influence cross-functional teams, and a track record of translating new technologies into production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in engineering (thermal or mechanical) required.
• 8+ years in development engineering, system validation testing, or data center operations in AI/ML compute or hyperscaler environments.
• Strong communication and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Domain knowledge in thermal/mechanical engineering for rack-level or data center cooling.
• Experience turning novel tech into production with process development.
• Technical aptitude with ASIC, compute, storage, and network architectures.
• Experience collaborating with global/remote teams.
• Familiarity with hardware troubleshooting and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to mentor team members on improving methods and tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct architecture reviews to analyze deployment strategy for mass production in data center environments.
• Lead product reviews and readiness assessments focusing on thermal, mechanical, spatial, and hardware compatibility.
• Perform airflow and liquid flow analyses; provide design margin guidance for reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and deploy NUDD equipment.
• Coordinate with partners to align hardware platform roadmaps and milestones.
• Work with Data Center Operations to verify infrastructure deployment and operational needs.
• Engage with ODM/OEM vendors to define specs and integration plans.
• Capture lessons learned and develop tests for future hardware platforms.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.

Skills

Communication

Cross-functional influence

Thermal engineering

Mechanical engineering

Data center cooling

Global collaboration

Operational validation

Mentoring

Hardware troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor of Science in Thermal/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

6Sigma CFD

Icepak

Fluent

Job description

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.

Thermal/Mechanical Engineer, NPI Technical Readiness Responsibilities:

• 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
• Direct product reviews and deliver the technical readiness assessment for deployment alignment, with a specific focus on thermal, mechanical, spatial, and hardware compatibility
• Perform airflow and liquid flow demand vs. capacity analysis, identifying the design margin and provide guidance on system control for efficient and reliable operation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define the requirements and deliver the necessary NUDD equipment to support the deployment
• Partner with cross-functional teams and development partners to deliver harmonized new hardware platform roadmaps and secure an agreement on implementation milestones
• Liaise with cross-functional partners in Meta’s Data Center Operations team to ascertain infrastructure deployment and operational requirements
• Work with ODM/OEM vendors as necessary to define product specifications, development plans, and the integration strategy within the data center
• Capture lessons learned from production issues and create corresponding test cases to address these issues in subsequent hardware platforms
• Domestic and/or international travel, up to 25%, is required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, in thermal, mechanical, or equivalent technical experience is required
• 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
• Possession of robust communication skills and a demonstrated capacity to influence cross-functional teams is essential
• 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
• A proven history of navigating ambiguity and establishing processes for novel technologies, and successfully transitioning them into production, is required
• Technical aptitude, evidenced by familiarity with ASIC, compute, storage, and network architecture and components, hardware troubleshooting and diagnosis capabilities, and/or hardware manufacturing processes
• Experience operating within a global environment, including collaboration with remote teams, is required
• Demonstrated experience with operational validation methodologies and verification activities pertinent to new product integration is expected
• The ability to cultivate effective cross‑functional relationships and influence policies and procedures to enhance the integration of hardware platforms into the data center
• 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:

• Familiarity with the airflow or liquid flow CFDs such as 6Sigma, Icepak or Fluent
• Expertise in AI/ML product integration and deployment in the data center at scale
• Proven experience in developing for, or managing, large‑scale server installations
• Experience in utilizing AI‑driven tools for workflow development
• Demonstrated experience with hardware development and/or data center design
• Master’s or PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal Engineering

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affhinnative 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].

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

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.