At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of advanced cooling systems for high-density AI hardware.
- Company: Fractile, a fast-growing tech company redefining AI with innovative silicon and software.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, collaborative culture, and opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team and make a real impact in cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and 7+ years in thermal design for high-performance computing.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Fractile is building silicon, systems and software which will redefine the frontier of AI: running the world’s most advanced models at radically higher speed and lower cost. We have an exceptional team across hardware and software capable of bringing about this change, and we are growing fast to meet demand and deliver our product at scale.
We are seeking a Thermal Engineer with deep experience in data centre or high-density system design, someone who can guide and shape the development of advanced cooling architectures. You might be a mechanical engineer who has specialised in thermal design, or a thermal systems expert with strong modelling and integration experience. Either way, you’ll be comfortable leading design direction and working hands‑on with suppliers, prototypes, and test rigs. We are open to a contractor or permanent hires, we are most interested in finding someone who can add real expertise when it’s needed, help define the right path, and guide the build of a robust, production‑ready cooling solution.
The Role
You will lead the design of an advanced cooling system for a high‑density AI accelerator system destined for data centre deployment. This includes developing the full cooling architecture — from Direct‑to‑Chip (D2C) liquid cooling through to rack‑level thermal management and hybrid liquid‑air solutions for host chassis. You’ll collaborate closely with mechanical engineers (internal and external), chip and board designers, and 3rd‑party suppliers to define requirements, review designs, and ensure that every aspect of the system — from the cold plate up — meets performance, reliability, and manufacturability goals. We expect you to bring a mix of technical authority, practical design sense, and strong supplier management skills. You may also lead or advise on the development of a thermal test platform to validate solutions in real‑world conditions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and specification of an advanced cooling solution for dense AI hardware systems
- Work closely with 3rd-party suppliers to define thermal and mechanical requirements and review proposed solutions
- Contribute to mechanical system design — specifying chassis interfaces, manifold routing, fittings, and integration details
- Model and simulate thermal performance at cold plate, chassis, and rack levels
- Develop and/or oversee a test platform to validate cooling concepts and final implementation
- Support the design of Direct‑to‑Chip (D2C) liquid cooling systems, Cold Plates, CDUs, and Hybrid Liquid‑Air chassis
- Drive design reviews, evaluate trade-offs, and ensure solutions are manufacturable and reliable
- Liaise with system, hardware, and data centre teams to ensure the cooling architecture integrates seamlessly into overall system design
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- At least 7 years of experience in developing hardware products with thermal design liquid cooling systems for high‑performance computing, data centres, or equivalent high‑density hardware
- Expertise with D2C liquid cooling, cold plate design, and CDU/rack‑level systems
- Hands-on experience with thermal modelling and simulation tools
- Experience taking designs through prototyping, test, and production
- Strong collaboration skills — comfortable working across disciplines and with suppliers
- Familiarity with thermal‑fluid analysis, materials selection, and system reliability principles
Desirable
- Experience with AI accelerator or HPC hardware
- Background in mechanical engineering — able to support mechanical chassis design and integration
- Experience working directly with data centre operators or hyperscale infrastructure teams
- Awareness of liquid handling and serviceability considerations in deployed environments
- UK‑based, or able to work UK hours with occasional on‑site collaboration
How we work
- Ownership and execution: you will have full agency to drive your work forward
- Rapid iteration: we all work directly with top leadership to move from idea to hardware on ambitious timelines
- Full‑stack engagement: hardware, software, silicon, and modelling teams all work closely together to create a product with generational impact
- Optimistic and pragmatic: we possess the will to win, and to do the hard work to get us there
- Team player mentality: the mission is bigger than any of us, and we have the curiosity and technical focus to see the best idea shipped, no matter who’s it is
About us
- Founded in 2022, team of 70+ which is expanding rapidly
- Modern, open offices in London and Bristol
- Collaborative, problem‑solving culture built on deep curiosity, entrepreneurial initiative and technical fluency
Export control and security clearance
Certain roles may involve working on technologies subject to export restrictions. Applicants may be required to undergo additional eligibility checks to ensure compliance with applicable law.
Thermo Mechanical Engineer employer: NIF
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Thermo Mechanical Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like NIF.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like NIF love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of NIF and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Thermo Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for NIF and the Thermo Mechanical Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at NIF
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at NIF.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at NIF.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with NIF, making you a more appealing candidate.
