Thermal R&D Engineer

Job Overview

Advantest America is a leading provider of semiconductor test and measurement solutions. As part of our commitment to innovation, we are expanding our Global Thermal R&D Team to advance next-generation cooling technologies for semiconductor testing.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Thermal-Mechanical R&D Engineer with expertise in two-phase cooling systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to design, build and validate advanced thermal solutions involving evaporators, condensers, compressors, refrigerant loops and fluid management systems for high-performance semiconductor test environments. The ideal candidate will combine strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on design and experimental skills to push the boundaries of thermal management technologies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and develop two-phase cooling systems, including evaporators, condensers, compressors, and closed loop refrigerant circuits for semiconductor test applications.
• Define system architecture, component specifications, and performance requirements for pumped refrigeration-based and phase-change cooling solutions.
• Build and assemble test rigs, mechanical fixtures, fluid loops, and prototype hardware to evaluate thermal system performance.
• Execute experiments to characterize thermal performance, pressure drop, and reliability of two-phase systems.
• Develop and validate analytical and simulation models for heat transfer and fluid dynamics in two-phase systems.
• Evaluate refrigerant types, properties, environmental considerations, and compatibility with components and materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cooling solutions into complex test platforms.
• Optimize system designs for efficiency, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support technology roadmap development for advanced cooling solutions.

Requirements, Education & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in thermal system design, with a focus on two-phase cooling technologies (e.g., vapor compression, pumped refrigerant loops, or thermosiphon systems).
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics in phase-change and refrigerant based systems.
• Experience with compressor selection, refrigerant properties, and system-level performance optimization.
• Familiarity with evaporator and condenser design, material compatibility, and reliability considerations.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent).
• Experience with thermal simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, FloEFD) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in global, cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 10%).
• On-site role based at our Lake Forest, CA facility.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a global initiative shaping the future of thermal technologies in semiconductor testing. You’ll work with cutting-edge tools and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, driving innovation that directly impacts next-generation test solutions.