Principal Thermal Engineer - Thermal Controls

Principal Thermal Controls Engineer

Thermal Engineering leads and delivers the development of innovative and compliant thermal design solutions, as well as cross-functional interfaces for computer systems and peripherals. Our team conducts the analysis, feasibility studies and testing of thermal products, instruments, subassemblies and packaging for new and existing products - and then oversees the introduction of design changes to the manufacturing organizations.

As AI growth is accelerating, Dell Technologies is developing ground-breaking technologies and customer-focused solutions to lead the industry. We're developing best-in class networking, storage, infrastructure, and server products to serve AI, Cloud, High Performance Computing (HPC), Edge and Enterprise workloads.

Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social impact as a Principal Thermal Controls Engineer on our Thermal Engineering team in Austin, Texas.

What you'll achieve

Dell Technologies is seeking a Principal Thermal Controls Engineer to define and architect next-generation thermal control strategies that enable efficient, reliable cooling for Dell's most advanced platforms. This role leads development of thermal control algorithms, simulation using Simulink, and definition of firmware requirements guiding BMC/embedded firmware teams. A strong preference will be given to candidates capable of driving digital-thread workflows and leveraging automation or AI tools to generate, validate, and optimize thermal control data.

You will:

• Architect next-generation thermal control strategies for Dell PowerEdge servers, storage, AI/HPC, telco, and rack-level platforms, enabling efficient, reliable, and acoustically optimized cooling
• Develop advanced, model-based control algorithms using Simulink to manage fans, pumps, cold plates, and power-thermal interactions across air and liquid cooling systems
• Lead simulation-driven design by building thermal system models and running scenario-based analyses to tune algorithms, predict edge cases, and define platform requirements ahead of hardware availability
• Define firmware requirements and interfaces for thermal sensing, telemetry, and control, and partner closely with BMC/embedded firmware teams to ensure accurate implementation
• Drive digital thread and automation initiatives, leveraging AI-assisted tools to generate and optimize thermal control parameters while serving as a technical authority and mentor across product lines

Take the first step towards your dream career
Every Dell Technologies team member brings something unique to the table. Here's what we are looking for with this role:

Essential Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in thermal controls, systems controls, or related engineering disciplines, with strong domain knowledge of server, storage, or HPC platform architectures
• Expert in model-based thermal control development, including Simulink and MBSE techniques to link simulation, controls, firmware, and validation workflows
• Deep understanding of thermal and cooling systems, including air and liquid architectures, fans, pumps, sensors, and thermal management components
• Experience with embedded/BMC firmware integration, including Redfish, IPMI, sensor interfaces, and the ability to author clear, detailed firmware requirements and collaborate closely with firmware teams
• Proven technical leadership and communication skills, with experience driving digital thread initiatives and using automation, scripting, or AI-based tools to generate and validate thermal control parameter tables

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering and advanced thermal control methods, such as PID, adaptive or AI-assisted controls, state-machine modeling, and using CFD or thermal simulation insights to inform control strategies for high-power, air- or liquid-cooled systems
• Exposure to digital thread concepts and platform-level control strategy, including linking simulation, controls, firmware, and validation workflows, as well as using automation, scripting, or AI-based tools to help generate, validate, or optimize thermal control parameters and support architectural decisions

Compensation

Dell is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $144,500-$187,000.

Benefits and Perks of working at Dell Technologies

Your life. Your health. Supported by your benefits. You can explore the overall benefits experience that awaits you as a Dell Technologies team member - right now at MyWellatDell.com

Who we are

We believe that each of us has the power to make an impact. That's why we put our team members at the center of everything we do. If you're looking for an opportunity to grow your career with some of the best minds and most advanced tech in the industry, we're looking for you.

Dell Technologies is a unique family of businesses that helps individuals and organizations transform how they work, live and play. Join us to build a future that works for everyone because Progress Takes All of Us.

Dell Technologies is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Read the full Equal Employment Opportunity Policy here.