{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Sr. Thermal Engineer","description":"

Our client is a global technology leader developing advanced test and measurement systems for the semiconductor industry. As device power densities continue to increase, their Global Thermal R&D Team is expanding its development of next-generation cooling technologies for high-performance test platforms.

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As the Senior Thermal R&D Engineer, you will lead the architecture, design, prototyping, and validation of advanced two-phase and refrigeration-based cooling systems. Unlike a customer-specific product design role, this position focuses on developing new thermal technologies that can serve as the foundation for future products and applications.

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This is a highly technical, hands-on R&D opportunity for an experienced engineer who can work independently, contribute immediately, and bring deep refrigeration expertise to a small, specialized team.

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What You’ll Do

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Design, develop, and optimize closed-loop, two-phase cooling systems for high-performance semiconductor test environments
Establish system architecture, component specifications, operating parameters, and performance requirements
Design and evaluate evaporators, condensers, compressors, refrigerant circuits, and related thermal components
Build and assemble prototype cooling systems, fluid loops, test fixtures, and instrumentation
Plan and execute experiments to evaluate thermal performance, pressure drop, system stability, efficiency, and reliability
Develop and validate analytical, first-principles, and simulation-based models for heat transfer and fluid flow
Evaluate refrigerants based on performance, operating range, environmental impact, safety, and material compatibility
Troubleshoot complex system-level thermal and fluid-mechanical challenges
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to integrate new cooling technologies into future test platforms
Optimize designs for performance, reliability, manufacturability, efficiency, and cost
Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps for advanced thermal management and phase-change cooling

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What You’ll Need

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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline; a master’s degree is preferred
Five or more years of industry experience designing and developing refrigeration-based or two-phase thermal systems
Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and phase-change behavior
Practical experience with compressor selection, evaporator and condenser design, refrigerant management, and system-level optimization
Hands-on experience building, instrumenting, testing, and troubleshooting refrigeration systems, fluid loops, or thermal prototypes
Experience developing new systems or technologies beyond the operation and maintenance of existing HVAC or refrigeration equipment
Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or an equivalent platform
Strong analytical, experimental, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to independently lead technical work with minimal direction
Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship

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Preferred Experience

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Pumped refrigerant loops, vapor-compression systems, thermosiphons, or other phase-change cooling architectures
Thermal and CFD simulation tools such as ANSYS, FloEFD, or SolidWorks Simulation
Cooling technologies for semiconductor, electronics, data center, aerospace, or other high-power applications
Semiconductor manufacturing, semiconductor equipment, or automated test equipment
Developing cooling systems from early-stage concept through prototype validation and product integration

\nThis is a full-time, direct-hire position based onsite in Lake Forest, California, which is the strongly preferred location. Exceptional candidates may also be considered for the company’s Phoenix/Chandler, Arizona location.","datePosted":"2026-09-04","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"recruitAbility"},"validThrough":"2026-10-04","jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Lake Forest, CA","streetAddress":"26211 Enterprise Way Lake Forest, CA 92630","addressRegion":"California","postalCode":"92630","addressCountry":"United States"}},"employmentType":"FULL_TIME","identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"recruitAbility","value":"17885531942460128024SZu"},"directApply":true}