What are the responsibilities and job description for the Thermal R&D Engineer position at Advantest?
Position Overview
Advantest is a global leader in semiconductor test and measurement solutions. To support next‑generation test platforms and increasing device power densities, we are expanding our Global Thermal R&D Team to develop advanced cooling technologies.
We are seeking a Thermal R&D Engineer with hands‑on experience in two‑phase cooling and refrigeration‑based systems. This role focuses on the architecture, design, prototyping, and validation of closed‑loop phase‑change cooling solutions for high‑performance semiconductor test environments.
The ideal candidate combines strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and heat transfer with practical experience designing and experimentally validating evaporators, condensers, compressors, and refrigerant loops. This is a highly technical, hands‑on R&D role with real product impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize two‑phase cooling systems, including evaporators, condensers, compressors, and closed‑loop refrigerant circuits for semiconductor test applications
- Define system‑level architecture, component specifications, and performance requirements for refrigeration‑based and phase‑change cooling solutions
- Build and assemble prototype hardware, fluid loops, test rigs, and instrumentation to experimentally evaluate performance
- Plan and execute experiments to characterize thermal performance, pressure drop, stability, and reliability of two‑phase systems
- Develop and validate analytical, first‑principles, and simulation models for heat transfer and fluid flow in phase‑change systems
- Evaluate refrigerants with respect to performance, operating temperature range, environmental impact, safety, and material compatibility
- Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and system teams to integrate cooling solutions into complex test platforms
- Drive design optimization for efficiency, robustness, manufacturability, and cost
- Contribute to long‑term technology roadmaps for advanced thermal and two‑phase cooling solutions
Qualifications:
Qualifications & Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- 5 years of experience designing and developing two‑phase or refrigeration‑based thermal systems
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, particularly for phase‑change systems
- Practical experience with compressor selection, evaporator/condenser design, and system‑level performance optimization
- Hands‑on experience assembling and testing fluid loops, refrigeration systems, or thermal prototypes
- Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent)
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills
Preferred
- Experience with pumped refrigerant loops, vapor‑compression systems, or thermosiphons
- Familiarity with thermal/CFD simulation tools (Solidworks, ANSYS, FloEFD, or similar)
- Experience working in semiconductor, electronics cooling, or high‑power systems
Role Details
- On‑site position at Advantest’s Lake Forest, CA facility
- Up to 10% domestic and international travel
Why Advantest?
This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced thermal management for semiconductor testing, where cooling performance directly enables next‑generation device capabilities. You’ll collaborate with a global R&D organization, influence future product platforms, and help define new approaches to two‑phase cooling in demanding, real‑world applications.