What are the responsibilities and job description for the Thermal R&D Engineer position at Advantest?
Job Overview
Advantest America is a leading provider of semiconductor test and measurement solutions. As part of our commitment to innovation, we are expanding our Global Thermal R&D Team to advance next-generation cooling technologies for semiconductor testing.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Thermal-Mechanical R&D Engineer with expertise in two-phase cooling systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to design, build and validate advanced thermal solutions involving evaporators, condensers, compressors, refrigerant loops and fluid management systems for high-performance semiconductor test environments. The ideal candidate will combine strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on design and experimental skills to push the boundaries of thermal management technologies.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and develop two-phase cooling systems, including evaporators, condensers, compressors, and closed loop refrigerant circuits for semiconductor test applications.
- Define system architecture, component specifications, and performance requirements for pumped refrigeration-based and phase-change cooling solutions.
- Build and assemble test rigs, mechanical fixtures, fluid loops, and prototype hardware to evaluate thermal system performance.
- Execute experiments to characterize thermal performance, pressure drop, and reliability of two-phase systems.
- Develop and validate analytical and simulation models for heat transfer and fluid dynamics in two-phase systems.
- Evaluate refrigerant types, properties, environmental considerations, and compatibility with components and materials.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cooling solutions into complex test platforms.
- Optimize system designs for efficiency, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Support technology roadmap development for advanced cooling solutions.
Qualifications:
Requirements, Education & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- 5 years of experience in thermal system design, with a focus on two-phase cooling technologies (e.g., vapor compression, pumped refrigerant loops, or thermosiphon systems).
- Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics in phase-change and refrigerant based systems.
- Experience with compressor selection, refrigerant properties, and system-level performance optimization.
- Familiarity with evaporator and condenser design, material compatibility, and reliability considerations.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent).
- Experience with thermal simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, FloEFD) is a plus.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in global, cross-functional teams.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 10%).
- On-site role based at our Lake Forest, CA facility.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a global initiative shaping the future of thermal technologies in semiconductor testing. You’ll work with cutting-edge tools and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, driving innovation that directly impacts next-generation test solutions.