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Thermal Engineer

Nexthop Systems Inc
Santa Clara, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/27/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/26/2025

Nexthop Systems Inc. is on the lookout for a passionate and innovative thermal engineer to spearhead the design and implementation of advanced thermal management systems. This role is critical in ensuring the efficient performance of high-power next-generation networking systems tailored for cutting-edge AI infrastructures.  

What You’ll Do

  • Design and develop thermal solutions, including heatsinks, cold plates, liquid cooling loops, and other innovative cooling systems.  
  • Lead and execute thermal modeling and simulations using industry-standard tools to optimize performance.  
  • Conduct thorough thermal testing and validation to ensure designs meet rigorous operational requirements.  
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate thermal designs seamlessly into broader system architectures.  
  • Build and manage strong technical relationships with suppliers, ensuring high-quality thermal solutions.  
  • Proactively troubleshoot and resolve thermal challenges to maintain system reliability.  
  • Stay ahead of the curve by keeping up with emerging technologies, trends, and industry standards in thermal engineering.  


What You Bring Technical Expertise

  • A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with emphasis in heat transfer (B.S. required, M.S. preferred).  
  • 10 years of experience in thermal design; 5 years of experience designing thermal components and systems for data center network equipment, preferred.  
  • Proficiency in thermal modeling tools such as Flotherm, Flotherm-XT, and/or IcePak.
  • Experience and deep working knowledge of data center air cooling technologies, practices, and strategies:  
    • Vapor chambers, heat pipes, and other phase change devices
    • Various heat sink types and design parameters
    • High performance fans and their selection/operating parameters
    • Thermal interface materials and their selection/design parameters
    • Environmental requirements
    • Rack mounted ITE design constraints
  • Experience with designing liquid cooling components/loops desired, but not required.
  • Deep knowledge of heat transfer principles and their application in real-world scenarios.  


Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle complex thermal challenges.  
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, to work effectively with diverse teams and suppliers.  
  • A proactive mindset with a passion for staying current on advancements in thermal technologies and AI infrastructure needs.  


Why Join Nexthop Systems?

At Nexthop, you’ll work at the forefront of innovation, designing thermal solutions that empower the AI systems driving tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Your contributions will directly impact how AI and networking systems perform, ensuring they meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.  


**Are you ready to take the lead in thermal engineering for next-generation AI infrastructure?** Apply now and shape the future with us!  




Salary.com Estimation for Thermal Engineer in Santa Clara, CA
$123,504 to $148,248
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Job openings at Nexthop Systems Inc

Nexthop Systems Inc
Hired Organization Address Bay, CA Full Time
Company Description : Nexthop AI is a team of industry-leading professionals with deep hardware and software expertise s...

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