Thermal Architect & Design Lead, AI Hardware
Tesla · Palo Alto, CA · 1 mo ago
On-siteArt & Creative$188k–$414k/yrFull-time
What You'll Do
- Thermal Architecture Design: collaborate with SpaceX to design two-phase cooling, passive/active hybrid cooling, and large-scale, deployable radiators to manage high-power AI server loads (100kW+ per rack) in microgravity environments
- Space-Grade Thermal Management: Develop advanced thermal control systems (heat pipes, pumped fluid loops, cryocoolers) designed for 24/7 reliability in a vacuum
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with satellite engineers, AI hardware teams, and launch providers to integrate thermal systems with power, communication, and structural components (ICDs, CONOPS)
- Modeling & Validation: Use thermal simulation tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, ANSYS) to model heat dissipation and conduct structural/thermal design reviews for space hardware
- Risk Mitigation: Perform technical trade studies (reliability vs. weight vs. cost) and develop contingency plans for thermal runaway scenarios in orbital environments
What You'll Bring
- Degree, or equivalent experience demonstrating exceptional ability
- 10+ years of experience in high-performance data center cooling, spacecraft thermal design, or related high-density thermal management
- Deep understanding of radiation heat transfer, vacuum systems, fluid dynamics, and liquid-to-chip cooling
- Proficiency in at least one thermal simulation tool (e.g., Icepak, Flotherm, Fluent)
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Medical plans
- Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
- Dental and vision plans
- HSA contribution
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time
- Paid holidays
- Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
- Voluntary benefits
Pay
- Expected Compensation: $188,000 - $414,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits
- Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.