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Role description

Thermal Engineer

Nexthop AI logoNexthop AI
TypeFull-time
SenioritySenior
LocationSanta Clara, CA
Posted5/14/2025
Engineering

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!  

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Company info

Nexthop AI logo

Nexthop AI

Building the most efficient Al infrastructure for the world's largest cloud operators

Nexthop AI is a cohesive team of seasoned industry experts, who through their collaborative product design as well as system and network engineering capabilities are building innovative networking products and solutions for Hyperscalers and NeoClouds. Nexthop is headquartered in Santa Clara with additional locations in Seattle, Vancouver, Dublin and Bengaluru, India. For more information visit http://nexthop.ai

Private companySeries BMega round
Founded2024
HQSanta Clara, United States
Size201-500 employees
Unlock human wisdom
ThesisTermsPrivacy
Industry
Computer Networking Products
Funding
  • Series B · $500M · Mar 10, 2026
  • Series A · $110M · Mar 25, 2025
Investors
Lightspeed Venture PartnersAndreessen Horowitz
Tech stackpoka, c10, document360, microsoft-forefront, passport, scaleai, strapi, cplusplus, gemini, docker

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