Senior Thermal Test Engineer, Platforms Infrastructure

Google designs powerful computing infrastructures with custom-built machines. The Test Infrastructure team is crucial in ensuring the reliability of this advanced equipment. In the New Product Introduction (NPI) lab, the role involves researching, designing, and developing test equipment for machinery prototypes. This includes improving thermal solutions for deployment and creating protocols to standardize tests globally. Close collaboration with design engineers is essential to provide feedback, refine hardware designs, and consistently meet Google's stringent quality and reliability standards.

As a Thermal Test Engineer at Google, you will collaborate closely with the Thermal Product Design Team to produce test plans, develop test fixtures, configure hardware and software systems, create scripts for hardware manipulation, and analyze and document the thermal performance of hardware systems. You will be capable of carrying out thermal testing at our internal lab or external facilities or by leveraging and mentoring junior team members and external vendors. You will be familiar with various types of cooling technologies. You will be well versed in testing methodologies. You will develop the best test practices, troubleshooting and problem solving on systems. In addition, you will possess excellent documentation and communication skills.

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what’s possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $150,000-$218,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Characterize and evaluate the thermal performance of high-power server/rack designs, including fans, pumps, heat sinks, thermal interface materials, and air baffles, using various lab equipment. Design and develop new lab equipment as needed.
  
• Collaborate, develop, and execute the test plan and test strategies in a timely manner. Perform the data analysis and test report generation. Measure, simulate, analyze, and improve the thermal performance of hardware.
  
• Set up, bring up the system, troubleshoot, and debug the system in the Linux environment, including installing the Linux operating system, firmware, and software tools.
• Improve the testing environment and test execution strategy within owned hardware programs; design the test fixture for better engineering efficiency and data accuracy.
• Set up and maintain lab space, tools, and materials. Manage inventory of prototype devices and enforce lab safety and general housekeeping.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Electrical Engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working in a thermal design/test technical environment, or 3 years of experience with an advanced degree.
• Experience with air and liquid-cooled data center environments, Linux testing environments, and high-power test environments.
• Experience with Linux and scripting in a research and development lab.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 1 year of experience in technical leadership.
• Experience with computational thermal/mechanical simulation software or analysis such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, Linux, Shell scripting, or any scripting languages.
• Experience using hand tools such as drivers, hammers, drills and crimpers.
• Experience with thermal cooling technologies and developing test strategies and execution.
• Experience in manufacturing processes such as Design for Manufacturability (DFM)/Design for Assembly (DFA) or in design for deployment.

This is a specialized role which requires physical interaction with hardware equipment in a simulated data center environment, utilizing Google labs, power, and safety equipment.  Regular development and processing of engineering hardware must be performed on site.