Principal Engineer, Thermal Engineering

Job Description

As a senior member of Intel’s Thermal Mechanical Engineering team, you will lead the development of advanced thermal and mechanical solutions for Data Center CPUs—spanning silicon, system, and datacenter levels. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Define product power and temperature limits based on system cooling capabilities.
• Provide thermal parameters for manufacturing teams.
• Conduct thermal analysis, design, prototyping, and testing of air and liquid cooling solutions.
• Apply expertise in conduction, convection, radiation, heat sinks, heat pipes, and vapor chambers.
• Perform thermal and pressure drop characterization and validate models.
• Optimize thermal management systems, including materials, contact pressure, and firmware policies.
• Simulate thermal behavior from silicon to PCB, considering materials, layout, and transient effects.
• Lead thermal design reviews and resolve technical issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, power, reliability, electrical, and mechanical teams.
• Drive technical readiness through research, experiments, and prototyping.

• Serve as a domain expert influencing technical direction across Intel and the industry.
• Mentor technical leaders and promote Intel values.
• Formulate technical strategy aligned with organizational goals and deliver leadership solutions.
• Drive innovation in modeling, simulation, and automation to accelerate design cycles.
• Analyze performance, power, and thermal characteristics to guide design trade-offs.
• Lead teams in detailed design, testing, and prototype fabrication.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 10+ years of related experience.
• 8+ years of experience in:
  • Heat transfer fundamentals for data center or client systems
    .
  • Thermal testing techniques using sensors and wind tunnels.
  • Thermal simulation software (Flotherm, Icepak).
  • CFD tools and thermal modeling processes

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Mechanical Engineering with focus on Heat Transfer, Fluid Dynamics, and Electronics Cooling.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and statistical analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with thermal metrology, DOE, instrumentation, and uncertainty analysis.
• Strong project leadership and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Expertise in electronics cooling for systems/platforms, racks, and datacenters.
• Deep knowledge of TIMs, heat sinks, vapor chambers, heat pipes, fans, and liquid cooling systems.
• CAD proficiency (Solid Works or Creo) and CFD experience.
• Experience managing ODMs/vendors and full product lifecycle from concept to production.
• Familiarity with acoustic testing, DFM, and high‑volume manufacturing.
• Ability to integrate novel thermal technologies aligned with Intel’s roadmap.

This role is a Position of Trust. Should you accept this position, you must consent to and pass an extended Background Investigation, which includes (subject to country law), extended education, SEC sanctions, and additional criminal and civil checks. For internals, this investigation may or may not be completed prior to starting the position. For additional questions, please contact your Recruiter.

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range: $- USD.

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on‑site at their assigned Intel site and off‑site. Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

Job Type: Experienced Hire.

Shift: Shift 1 (United States of America). Primary

Location:

US, Oregon, Hillsboro. Additional Locations: US, Arizona, Phoenix.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.