R&D Engineer (Thermal & Fluid Sciences)

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT, www.1-ACT.com) is actively seeking qualified Research & Development (R&D) Engineers in the area of Thermal and Fluid sciences, to support the growth of our vibrant research and development programs. Candidates at all experience and education (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) levels are welcome to apply for this position. ACT’s R&D group develops state-of-the-art technologies and works to transition them to products for space, defense, and energy-related applications. Our new technology commercialization success have won us many accolades including the exclusive Tibbets award, given by the U.S. Small Business Administration to small companies that have used new technologies to make a commercial impact.

Technology focus areas and their applications include:

• Spacecraft Thermal Management Technologies

• Variable thermal conductance devices for surviving the lunar night and other variable environments
• Thermal management technologies for planetary exploration
• High temperature alkali metal heat pipes for space fission power

• High Heat Flux Electronic Cooling Using Heat Pipes, Vapor Chambers, and Pumped Two-Phase Systems
• Pulsating Heat Pipes
• Advanced Data Center Cooling Technologies

• Novel solar thermal and concentrating solar power technologies
• Novel thermally driven desalination technologies
• High temperature thermal storage for process heat applications
• Renewable and sustainable biofuels research
• Thermal management technologies for Small Modular Reactors/Micro-reactors.

• Developing Physics-based Multi-scale Modeling tools for Predicting Corrosion, Crack Propagation, Fatigue, and Material Failure Under Harsh Conditions
• Die Level Electrical and Thermal Modeling of Semiconductor Devices During Pulsed Operation
• Predicting Structural and Chemical behavior of Ablation Materials During Re-entry
• Fluid-thermal modeling for Hypersonic vehicles and systems

Minimum Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is preferred due to ITAR requirements
• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Engineering or Science
• Strong track record of academic success or success in an R&D environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering.
• 2+ years of experience on prototype/hardware development and experimental system development focusing on thermal and fluid sciences
• Proficient in CAD model (SolidWorks Preferred), Computational Fluid Dynamics & Finite Element Analysis.
• Proven capability to develop a concept from ground zero.
• Deep understanding on two-phase flow, heat transfer and thermodynamics
• Background in Data Center Electronics Cooling is a plus
• Background in passive cooling (heat pipes, pulsating heat pipes, loop heat pipes, phase change material) and active cooling technologies is a plus
• Experience in securing research funding is a plus
• Experience with modeling two-phase heat transfer, fluid-thermal interaction, complex flows, materials behavior will be a plus
• Experience modeling energy systems, fuel cells, Techno-economic analysis, Life Cycle cost analysis is a plus.

More information on R&D research areas of ACT can be found on the website: https://www.1-act.com/innovations/ .

R&D engineers at ACT have the flexibility to define new programs that strengthen our company’s core competency in thermal management and/or expand our company’s technology portfolio in diverse areas. Candidates with strong communication skills, high ambition, and a creative and innovative spirit are encouraged to apply. ACT also offers an attractive and competitive compensation/benefits package, along with a highly stimulating work environment.

What do R&D Engineers do at ACT?

An ACT R&D engineer typically works on multiple exciting projects at any given time and is responsible for all aspects of the projects from start to finish. This cumulative experience provides our R&D engineers with substantial opportunities for both skill and career growth. Responsibilities include:

Developing and patenting new technical concepts to address research problems for different applications. Writing and research proposals in response to competitive government funding opportunities. Developing analytical and numerical models to support prototype design and test data analysis. Drafting CAD models and drawings to support prototype and experiment fabrication. Working with technicians to fabricate and test hardware. Communicating with customers through presentations, written reports, teleconferences, etc. Authoring research papers and presenting newly developed technologies and techniques at technical conferences. Managing projects: responsible for schedule and project financial performance. Interacting with product development and marketing teams to transition new technologies to production.

ACT is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other trait protected by law.