ZT Systems

Staff Thermal Design Engineer

ZT Systems$100K — $130K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering; Master's preferred
  • 8+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong heat transfer and fluid dynamics background, especially in electronics cooling
  • Proficiency in CAD (Creo or Solidworks) and CFD (FloTherm or Icepack)
  • Experience with lab testing, data acquisition, and analysis
  • Familiarity with automated test infrastructure using LabVIEW and Python scripting
  • Ability to tackle system-related thermal issues effectively

Responsibilities

  • Create analytical and numerical models using CFD for new projects
  • Collaborate across teams during the product development cycle
  • Optimize thermal performance of servers using empirical data
  • Develop and execute plans to measure hardware thermal efficiency
  • Manage full-cycle projects for key thermal components
  • Design innovative thermal cooling solutions for server products
  • Interface with firmware teams to implement fan control algorithms

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off and company holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement for eligible programs
  • Continuous professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
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


#LI-PW #LI-Onsite #ZTSANENG2025!

About ZT Systems

ZT Systems is a privately held original design manufacturer of data center servers, storage and embedded computing systems. ZT Systems is headquartered in the United States with additional facilities in Canada, China, and the Netherlands. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of computing systems, from workstations to high-performance computing clusters, and provides customized solutions for cloud computing, big data, and other applications. ZT Systems serves a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and education.
Learn more about ZT Systems
Size
1,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1994

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