Thermal Architect & Design Lead, AI Hardware

• Thermal Architecture Design: collaborate with SpaceX to design two-phase cooling, passive/active hybrid cooling, and large-scale, deployable radiators to manage high-power AI server loads (100kW+ per rack) in microgravity environments
• Space-Grade Thermal Management: Develop advanced thermal control systems (heat pipes, pumped fluid loops, cryocoolers) designed for 24/7 reliability in a vacuum
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with satellite engineers, AI hardware teams, and launch providers to integrate thermal systems with power, communication, and structural components (ICDs, CONOPS)
• Modeling & Validation: Use thermal simulation tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, ANSYS) to model heat dissipation and conduct structural/thermal design reviews for space hardware
• Risk Mitigation: Perform technical trade studies (reliability vs. weight vs. cost) and develop contingency plans for thermal runaway scenarios in orbital environments

• Degree, or equivalent experience demonstrating exceptional ability
• 10+ years of experience in high-performance data center cooling, spacecraft thermal design, or related high-density thermal management
• Deep understanding of radiation heat transfer, vacuum systems, fluid dynamics, and liquid-to-chip cooling
• Proficiency in at least one thermal simulation tool (e.g., Icepak, Flotherm, Fluent)

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.