Thermal Design Engineer 3

Job description

Primary Function of Position

We are seeking a Thermal Design Engineer to join the Da Vinci Vision Hardware R&D team and partner in the architecture, development, verification, and transfer of next-generation vision systems from concept through launch. This role will serve as the thermal engineering owner and subject matter expert for endoscope, illumination, and computing products, with accountability for thermal architecture, performance, reliability, testing, and compliance.

The successful candidate will ensure products are thermally robust, meet all applicable requirements, and maintain sufficient operating margin throughout their lifecycle. In addition to thermal leadership, this individual will contribute to broader mechanical and opto-mechanical design efforts as program needs require.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Own thermal design, analysis, testing, performance, and compliance across vision hardware products and systems.
• Develop thermal solutions including airflow management, heat sinks, heat pipes, vapor chambers, TIMs, and active cooling systems.
• Create analytical, CFD, and FEA thermal models and correlate results with laboratory testing.
• Plan and execute thermal characterization, validation, accelerated life testing, and model correlation activities.
• Define thermal limits, derating strategies, and protection approaches with electrical and software teams.
• Specify and qualify thermal components and collaborate with suppliers.
• Leverage and manage external engineering resources and contractors as needed to supplement internal capacity.
• Create and review CAD designs, drawings, assemblies, tolerances, and related documentation.
• Partner closely with mechanical, optical, electrical, systems, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Support DFM/DFA activities to ensure successful transfer from development to production.

Qualifications

Skills, Experience, Education, & Training

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, Physics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in thermal engineering, electronics cooling, CFD, or thermal test and validation.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, airflow, and thermal management.
• Experience with CFD tools such as ANSYS Icepak, FloTHERM, FLOEFD, Fluent, or similar.
• Experience with thermal testing, instrumentation, and model correlation.
• Direct experience with heat sinks, heat pipes, vapor chambers, TIMs, fans, and high-power electronics cooling.
• Familiarity with advanced thermal materials and technologies.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent CAD tools.
• Programming experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting languages is a plus.
• Demonstrated use of AI tools to improve engineering workflows and productivity.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced development environments and demonstrates excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities simultaneously.
• Prior experience with the Design Control processes for medical devices and clinical application of surgical instruments is a plus.
• Prior experience with Agile Change Control and SAP is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

What Success Looks Like

• Delivers thermally robust, compliant products with appropriate performance margin.
• Translates ambiguous requirements into practical thermal solutions and validated designs.
• Effectively connects simulation, testing, CAD, and manufacturing constraints to drive decisions.
• Serves as the trusted thermal engineering expert across multiple Vision Hardware programs.
• Contribute to broader mechanical and opto-mechanical design efforts when required.