Principal Engineer
Principal Engineer – Hardware (Thermal Management)
Location: San Jose, CA (1-day hybrid onsite schedule per week)
Compensation: $260,000–$290,000 base + 25% bonus + RSU (flexible, based on interview
performance)
Company Overview
A leading global technology company is seeking a seasoned Principal Engineer to drive
innovation in thermal management for advanced hardware systems. The organization
places a strong emphasis on research, development, and cross-functional collaboration.
By working closely with internal teams and external partners, this company continues to
push the boundaries of networking and computing solutions.
Role Summary
This individual contributor role focuses on designing and implementing next-generation
thermal solutions for cutting-edge chip and system architectures. The Principal Engineer
will partner with diverse teams across design, operations, and supply chain to ensure
products meet rigorous performance and reliability standards. This is a strategic position
that oers the opportunity to shape current and future thermal roadmap initiatives at a
global scale.
Key Responsibilities
1. Thermal Technology Roadmapping
o Develop and lead the system-level thermal technology roadmap in
collaboration with microelectronics packaging suppliers, thermal interface
material providers, and cooling solution vendors.
o Assess and implement innovative cooling strategies (e.g., advanced air,
liquid, immersion) to support large-scale hardware systems.
2. Thermal Design & Analysis
o Translate experimental test data into meaningful trade-os, optimizing
thermal gradients and package design elements for next-generation devices.
o Correlate model predictions (e.g., CFD) with real-world test results to refine
thermal specifications and ensure design accuracy.
3. Validation & Qualification
o Create and execute robust test plans and qualification requirements to
confirm mechanical and manufacturing adaptability of thermal solutions.
o Oversee mechanical design validation for electronic assemblies, adhering to
industry standards (e.g., JEDEC JESD 51).
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
o Work closely with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to
integrate thermal management strategies from early design through
production.
o Engage with original design manufacturers (ODMs) and component vendors
to align testing, manufacturing, and quality protocols.
5. Thought Leadership & Research
o Publish technical papers, case studies, and presentations that highlight
innovative solutions and best practices.
o Participate in industry consortia, conferences, and academic collaborations
to advance the company’s position in thermal management technologies.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Thermal, or Chemical Engineering (or related
- field).
- 15+ years of hands-on experience in thermal design, simulation, and testing for
- electronic devices and systems.
- Proficiency in air-cooling technologies, with exposure to liquid cooling or
- immersion cooling methods.
- Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting and thermal validation using data
- acquisition systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
- 20+ years of experience in microelectronics thermal cooling.
- Familiarity with JEDEC JESD 51 thermal testing standards.
- Knowledge of Thermal Interface Material (TIM) Thermal Conductivity testing
- procedures.
Average salary estimate
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Are you a visionary looking to make an impact in the world of hardware? Look no further! Our client, a leading global technology company, is on the hunt for a talented Principal Engineer specializing in Thermal Management. Based in San Jose, CA, this role embraces innovation and collaboration, featuring a flexible 1-day hybrid onsite schedule each week. With a compensation package ranging from $260,000–$290,000 plus a generous 25% bonus and RSUs, the stakes are high, but so are the rewards! As a Principal Engineer, you will spearhead the development of next-generation thermal solutions tailored for cutting-edge chip designs and system architectures. You'll work alongside a diverse range of teams—from design to supply chain—to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability are met. Imagine shaping the thermal technology roadmap and integrating groundbreaking cooling strategies like advanced air or liquid solutions that transform large-scale hardware systems. Your expertise will guide the transition from experimental data to optimized designs that ensure product efficacy. Plus, you'll have opportunities to lead validation tests and engage in thought leadership by publishing your findings and presenting at industry conferences. If you have at least 15 years of experience in thermal design, an engineering background, and a passion for innovation, we encourage you to explore this exciting opportunity further!
Our recruiters are more than headhunters. We are former Supply Chain and Operations professionals who have combined their industry knowledge and networks for one unified purpose: to recruit top talent that delivers results for our clients. Our dee...
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