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← Astera Labs

Sr. Principle Systems / Rack Thermal Engineer

Astera Labs
Location
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Posted
26 days ago
Department
Platform Solution Group
Salary
$195,000 to $250,000
What they actually want (must-haves)
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
  • 15+ years of thermal engineering experience
  • Proven track record leading thermal architecture for AI infrastructure, networking platforms, servers, storage, or hyperscale systems
  • Deep expertise in heat transfer, conduction and convection, airflow optimization, thermal characterization, cooling system design, and rack-level thermal architecture
  • Hands-on experience using ANSYS Icepak, FloTHERM, 6SigmaET, and CFD tools and methodologies
  • Strong experience with thermal validation and correlation techniques.
Nice to have
  • Experience supporting NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel-based AI platforms
  • Experience with Open Rack and OCP architectures
  • Expertise in liquid cooling technologies
  • Familiarity with PCIe Scale-Up and UALink systems
  • Experience with Ethernet scale-out networking
What the job really is

The Senior Principal Thermal Engineer will lead the thermal architecture for next-generation AI systems and rack-scale infrastructure. This role involves defining thermal strategies, developing cooling solutions, and collaborating with various engineering teams and ODM partners to optimize thermal performance and ensure compliance with design objectives. The engineer will also drive thermal modeling and validation efforts to support high-density AI deployments.

Benefits
  • Salary range of $195,000 to $250,000 depending on experience, level, and business needs
  • Eligibility for discretionary bonuses, incentives, and benefits.
Things to weigh
  • The role involves a high level of responsibility and visibility, which may not suit everyone.
  • The focus on advanced cooling technologies suggests a need for ongoing learning and adaptation to new methods.
  • Collaboration with various partners and teams may require strong interpersonal skills and adaptability.
  • The salary range is broad, indicating potential variability based on negotiation and experience.
Job score4/5
Benefits1/5
Freshness4/5
Career value5/5
Role clarity5/5
Pay transparency5/5

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