Thermal Architect & Design Lead, AI Hardware

Description:
Tesla AI Hardware team is revolutionizing artificial intelligence. We are partnering with SpaceX to build a 1 TW orbital AI data center annually powered by Dojo—our custom supercomputer designed for the neural networks behind SpaceX, xAI, FSD, and Optimus.
We are looking for a visionary Thermal Architect and Design Lead to innovate and redefine data center cooling by moving AI workloads off-planet. As the technical lead for thermal architecture, you will design the next-generation cooling systems for orbital, high-density AI data centers in the vacuum of space with first principle thinking. You will solve the core challenge of space computing: rejecting megawatts of heat through radiation rather than air convection, ensuring AI hardware performance in microgravity.

Responsibilities:
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

Requirements:
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)

Compensation & Benefits:
Benefits

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

Expected Compensation
$188,000 - $414,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.