Server Thermal Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client in Alviso, CA that is seeking a Server Thermal Engineer that serves as a senior thermal engineering expert, resolving complex system-level cooling challenges, defining technical direction across multiple programs, and influencing cross-functional design decisions. The Server Thermal Engineer leads reviews, manages thermal risk, mentors engineers, and drives solutions from feasibility through production release.

Responsibilities:
* Lead end-to-end thermal development of server and rack platforms from concept through production
* Define thermal architecture and operating limits for CPUs, GPUs, memory, storage, networking, power, and other temperature-sensitive components
* Develop and validate thermal models using CFD simulations and correlate results with laboratory testing
* Design and optimize air-cooling solutions, including fans, heat sinks, airflow management, and acoustic performance
* Evaluate and integrate liquid-cooling technologies, including cold plates, pumps, manifolds, and hybrid cooling architectures
* Plan and execute thermal validation and qualification testing across environmental and failure scenarios
* Partner with firmware teams to develop thermal monitoring, fan and pump control strategies, and power-efficient cooling policies
* Own thermal specifications, test plans, risk assessments, design reviews, and technical documentation
* Collaborate with ODMs and suppliers to qualify thermal hardware and ensure production readiness
* Lead root-cause analysis and resolution of thermal, airflow, acoustic, and cooling-control issues
* Drive adoption of advanced cooling technologies and mentor engineers on thermal design and validation practices

REQUIREMENTS:
* 6-10 years of thermal engineering experience in servers, networking, storage, HPC, or other high-density electronics
* Proven experience delivering complex cooling solutions from concept through production
* Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid flow, thermodynamics, and electronics cooling
* Proficiency with CFD tools such as FloTHERM, FloEFD, Icepak, or Fluent
* Experience conducting thermal testing using environmental chambers and industry-standard instrumentation
* Knowledge of air-cooling and liquid-cooling technologies, fan control, acoustics, reliability, and power optimization
* Familiarity with server hardware, firmware-based thermal controls, and mechanical integration
* Experience with CAD tools such as Creo, NX, or SolidWorks
* Strong analytical, project leadership, supplier management, and communication skills

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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