Thermal Mechanical Engineer - R&D

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Thermal Mechanical R&D Engineer to join ZutaCore’s Cold Plate R&D team and develop advanced two-phase cooling solutions for AI and high-performance computing.

The role combines mechanical design, hands-on testing, and applied research, with an emphasis on turning engineering concepts into validated products. You will own cold plate and server cooling-loop development projects from requirements and initial concepts through detailed design, prototyping, performance validation, and production support.

Alongside product development, you will investigate thermal and fluid behavior, evaluate new concepts and technologies, and translate experimental findings into improved designs and deeper engineering understanding.

We are looking for an independent, self-driven engineer with strong analytical skills, curiosity, and sound engineering judgment. The role also includes leading technical discussions in English with customers, silicon vendors, suppliers, and colleagues.

*Work primarily on-site, with flexibility for up to one work-from-home day per week

Responsibilities

• Independently own development projects, clarify requirements, identify risks, and drive progress through design, testing, and release.
• Design and develop cold plates and server cooling loops, addressing thermal performance, mechanical integration and manufacturability.
• Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks, and maintain engineering documentation in PDM.
• Plan and conduct thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical experiments, including defining test methods and developing test fixtures.
• Analyze experimental data, investigate physical behavior, identify root causes, and translate findings into design improvements.
• Research and evaluate new cooling concepts, materials, and technologies to improve performance and support future development.
• Use engineering calculations, technical literature, and experimental evidence to guide design decisions and build team knowledge.
• Participate hands-on in prototype assembly, server integration, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Lead technical discussions in English to clarify requirements, present findings, explain design decisions, and resolve engineering issues.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners on materials, tolerances, manufacturing processes, and DFM/DFA.
• Prepare technical reports, design reviews, specifications, and performance summaries.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams and support initial customer installations.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering or higher.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and product development within an R&D environment.
• Proven ability to independently own engineering projects from requirements through design, prototyping, testing, and delivery.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate open-ended engineering problems, interpret experimental data, and draw sound conclusions.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and PDM systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Practical experience with hands-on testing, measurement equipment, and troubleshooting.
• High proficiency in spoken and written English, including the ability to independently lead technical discussions with customers, colleagues, and silicon vendor engineering teams.
• Self-driven, organized, and comfortable managing changing priorities in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar technologies and apply new knowledge to engineering challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Willingness to travel internationally and participate in occasional calls outside standard working hours.

Advantages

• Strong foundation in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with thermal management, liquid cooling, two-phase systems, or cold plate development — a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with the data center and semiconductor industries.
• Specific expertise in CPU/GPU packaging, thermal requirements, server architecture, or working with silicon vendor engineering teams — a strong advantage.
• Experience with thermal/fluid simulation tools and engineering data-analysis tools.