Orbital Industries

Thermal Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 13 days ago

FEACFDMechanical DesignHardware DesignResearch

About the role

You will work directly with novel refrigerators and proprietary AI toolsets to push the boundaries of speed and efficiency in data center cooling.

This is a key role within Orbital's cooling technology portfolio from design to deployment.
You will design, build and operate two-phase test loops, analyse performance data and rapidly iterate towards solutions that can scale from prototype to product.
Evaluate candidate refrigerants based on thermodynamic, saturation temperature, safety classification, material compatibility, and regulatory requirements for integration into two-phase cooling designs.
Design and optimize evaporator cold plates including channel geometry selection, inlet restriction sizing and exit vapor quality targeting
Evaluate and develop enhanced boiling surfaces to improve nucleation site density and increase critical heat flux margins
Translate experimental findings into design rules and validated simulation inputs
Perform system-level thermodynamic analyses: pressure-enthalpy cycle mapping, charge optimization, subcooling control, and component sizing for two-phase flow
Use or direct CFD or other modeling tools to evaluate cold plate designs, flow distribution in manifolds and thermal stresses in assemblies.
Build or contribute to system-level models for cycle analysis, parametric studies and impact of fluid on total performance.
Support Obrital's proprietary fluid development efforts by contributing to compatibility testing, accelerated aging studies, and performance characterization.

Degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or a closely related discipline with 5+ years of experience.
Proficiency in conducting thermodynamic analysis to optimize cooling system performance, energy efficiency and heat transfer.
Experience with or strong aptitude for CAD for test fixture design.
Experience with relevant simulation software (e.g. CFD, FEA) for thermal and fluid dynamics an asset
Familiarity or experience with cold plate manufacturing processes (CNC machining, brazing, sintering, skiving) is an asset.

Background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering as it relates to refrigerant behavior, surface treatments,or coating processes is a strong plus.

Working at Orbital means working in tightly integrated, vertically integrated teams.
Specify materials, bonding processes, and manufacturing methods for prototype and production cold plate units.

Competitive salary and equity package - the ability to own part of Orbital as we grow

Competitive salary and equity package - the ability to own part of Orbital as we grow
Flexible and generous paid time off
Excellent health, dental and vision insurance plan

This listing is sourced directly from Orbital Industries's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.