Mechanical Engineering Lead - AI Rack Scale Systems

About the role

MatX is building next-generation AI compute infrastructure purpose-built for large-scale LLM training and inference. We are looking for a Mechanical Engineering Lead to own the mechanical design, thermal architecture, and system integration of our rack-scale AI platform from concept through production. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will drive the mechanical design of our AI compute trays, ORV3/ORW rack systems, and fully liquid-cooled infrastructure, working closely with hardware, thermal, electrical, and JDM/ODM partners to bring a world-class AI data center platform to life.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of AI compute trays, rack enclosures, and full rack-scale systems from concept through production, built to OCP standards — covering structural design, sheet metal, extrusions, castings, and rack-level integration.
• Direct mechanical engineers on 3D models and 2D drawings for every component and assembly (DFMA-based datum schemes), and run tolerance stack-ups to define IQC, IPQC, and OQC criteria across EVT, DVT, and PVT.
• Own rack-level integration (power distribution, cable management, blind-mate connectors, backplane interface, tray insertion/extraction) and packaging design, partnering with JDM/ODM to refine both.
• Lead liquid cooling design and qualification — cold plates, manifolds, CDU interfaces, QD fittings — from components through L10/L11/L12 validation; partner with thermal engineering on cooling architecture and leak detection.
• Champion DFM/DFA practices, drive 100% functional test coverage, and guide reliability testing, RMA, and failure analysis.
• Serve as lead mechanical point of contact for JDM/ODM — running DFM/qualification reviews, owning BOM and drawings, and authoring DVT/PVT test plans (structural, vibration, shock, thermal, prototype builds).
• Ensure designs meet OCP, ASHRAE, and IEC standards; build and mentor the mechanical/thermal team while managing schedules and risk alongside TPM.

Requirements

• 15+ years of mechanical engineering experience in server, data center, or AI compute hardware, with hands-on experience designing mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and assemblies at the tray and rack level.
• Experience leading mechanical teams to design rack-scale hardware: compute trays, rack enclosures, or server platforms delivered to OCP Open Rack standards.
• Experience in volumetric analysis, stack tolerance analysis, and FEA analysis.
• Experience integrating liquid cooling systems (cold plates, manifolds, CDU interfaces) into the whole architecture.
• Experience generating DFMA with sheet metal, extrusion, casting, and machining manufacturing processes.
• Experience in sustainable manufacturing compliance, and design of fixtures and test setups for multiple applications (in-process testing, reliability testing, functional testing).
• Experience leading the ODM/JDM in setting up an assembly line through EVT, DVT, PVT, and MP phases.

Qualifications

• Experience with high-power AI accelerator platforms.
• Prior experience designing for OCP ORV3 or Open Rack Wide (ORW) platforms, or direct involvement in an OCP contribution/workstream.
• Hands-on experience with direct-to-chip liquid cooling at rack scale — cold plate design, manifold routing, QD fitting selection, and CDU integration for high power racks.
• Experience taking a mechanical design through high-volume manufacturing with JDM/ODM partners in Taiwan or China, including on-site NPI support.
• Familiarity with rear door heat exchanger (RDHx) integration as a complement to DLC for residual thermal load.

Compensation

The US base salary for this full-time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job-related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation.

• Early Career - $160,000 - $275,000 + equity
• Mid Career - $175,000 - $400,000 + equity
• Senior Career - $250,000 - $600,000 + equity

Benefits

• Time off: 4 weeks PTO (accrued) + 12 company Holidays + up to 3 weeks remote work
• Health: Company-subsidized Medical (Kaiser or Anthem) for employees & dependents, Guardian Dental and Vision insurances for employee & dependents, and life insurance (employee only), plus HSA and FSA offerings via Lively.
• Financial Wellbeing: Choose from Roth IRA/401K (or both) retirement plans with up to 5% company contribution to 401K (even if you don't contribute). Also, 100% company-paid life insurance (up to $300K) and long-term disability insurances.
• Professional Development: $1500 Professional Development Budget (per year)
• Team Meals: MatX provides onsite team lunch & dinner Monday - Friday, with your choice of ordering via WeBox, Specialty’s or via our reimbursement system
• Commute on Us: Commute on our company Uber account, or reimburse your train rides. Either way, we pay 100% for your daily commute.
• MatX E[x]tras: $50/mo to use on the perk you value most
• Cell & Internet Reimbursement: $35/mo for cellular and $40/mo for wifi
• Mental Wellbeing: 100% paid mental health benefit via SpringHealth and Guardian EAP.
• Support to Parents: Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave regardless of path to parenthood, 10 weeks pregnancy disability leave, flexible return-to-work hours, and Benepass reproductive health & parental benefit.
• AI Resources: Up to $20K/month plus a dedicated internal AI Tooling Team to support your productivity