Principal Thermal 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 solutions to lead the industry. These technologies are rapidly changing and we’re developing best-in class AI, Cloud, High Performance Computing (HPC), Edge computing devices and enterprise networking, server and storage products.

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

What you’ll achieve
As a Principal Thermal Engineer, you will architect, design, and validate advanced thermal solutions across Dell’s Artificial Intelligence (AI), High‑Performance Computing (HPC), and enterprise server portfolios. You will define system‑level thermal strategy, innovate next‑generation cooling technologies, and ensure scalable, reliable designs that meet demanding performance requirements. This role spans both air‑ and liquid‑cooling technologies and involves deep collaboration across engineering, operations and manufacturing teams.

You will 

• Architect system‑level thermal solutions—including cold plates, heat sinks, vapor chambers, fans and airflow/coolant pathways—optimized for performance, manufacturability and reliability
• Develop and refine thermal designs using modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and empirical testing with tools such as Siemens FloEFD or equivalent
• Participate in cross‑functional thermal architecture decisions, balancing performance, cost, acoustics, mechanical constraints and long‑term reliability
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, suppliers and Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) / Joint Design Manufacturer (JDM) partners to evaluate tradeoffs and industrialize innovative cooling solutions
• Mentor junior engineers while ensuring all designs meet Dell quality, sustainability and reliability standards

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 engineering or a closely related field
• Experience designing cold plates, heat sinks or advanced thermal hardware
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, internal and external fluid dynamics and electronics cooling
• Hands‑on experience with thermal simulations and interpreting CFD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results
• Expertise in system‑level thermal architecture and engineering tradeoffs

Desirable

• Experience with liquid cooling systems, Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs), Cooling Distribution Networks (CDNs) or advanced air‑cooled solutions
• Proficiency with Creo for mechanical design and FloEFD (or similar CFD tools) for thermal simulation

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.