Acceler8 Talent is proud to partner with a well-funded, VC-backed AI networking hardware startup in the SF Bay Area that’s redefining infrastructure for the world’s largest hyperscalers. Operating under a Joint Development Model (JDM), this company co-develops highly customized networking hardware, software, and optics solutions tailored to the evolving needs of large-scale AI workloads. With over $610M in funding and rapid expansion underway, they are seeking a Hardware Product Engineer – Thermal to drive the development, qualification, and manufacturing scale-up of next-generation liquid cooling solutions for high-performance AI networking systems. Responsibilities • Own the productization and manufacturing readiness of advanced thermal solutions, including cold plates, liquid cooling assemblies, and rack-level cooling infrastructure. • Partner with design, reliability, manufacturing, and supplier teams to ensure thermal solutions are successfully transitioned from development into volume production. • Lead thermal qualification activities, including performance validation, leak testing, burst testing, and long-term reliability assessments. • Provide hands-on support during NPI builds, manufacturing ramps, and factory deployments to resolve technical issues and improve production readiness. • Define thermal manufacturing processes, test methodologies, and quality standards for cooling-related hardware. • Work closely with suppliers and contract manufacturers to drive technical problem-solving, process improvements, and product quality. • Evaluate new thermal technologies and manufacturing approaches to support future high-density AI infrastructure. Requirements • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline. • 7+ years of experience in hardware product engineering, NPI, manufacturing engineering, or thermal systems engineering. • Proven experience supporting hardware builds on the manufacturing floor during NPI or mass production environments. • Strong expertise in liquid cooling technologies, including cold plate design, manufacturing, qualification, and reliability testing. • Deep understanding of thermal validation methodologies, including performance testing, leak testing, burst testing, and environmental qualification. • Experience collaborating with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and cross-functional engineering teams to deliver products into production. • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to bridge design intent and manufacturing execution. Preferred Qualifications • Experience auditing suppliers and manufacturing partners. • Knowledge of supplier quality systems, Six Sigma methodologies, CPK/PPK metrics, and process capability analysis. • Experience leading factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) activities. • Familiarity with thermal component manufacturing processes such as brazing, CNC machining, forging, and metal fabrication.