Senior Principal Thermal Engineer-Data Center Solutions

Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) builds the products that power infrastructure, solutions, and data management our customers need most. Our teams design and develop the hardware and software that connect infrastructure, accelerate computational workloads, integrate across the stack, protect data continuity, and deliver the platforms, applications, and diagnostics our customers rely on every day at enterprise scale. 

Some product builders follow the rules. Ours rewrite them.

Within ISG, innovation isn't just about creating new technology- it's about challenging assumptions and reimagining how work gets done. Engineers define intent, author precise specifications, and orchestrate AI agents that execute at speed and scale. AI is embedded throughout our development process, helping us move faster, learn quicker, and deliver greater impact. Yet the most important contribution remains uniquely human: deciding what to build, designing how it should work, and applying the judgment needed to earn our customers' trust. When your products power critical infrastructure around the world, that responsibility matters.

We move quickly toward the work that matters most. We reward experimentation, encourage bold thinking, and remove unnecessary barriers so great ideas can become reality faster. Our teams embrace a customer-first, first-to-market mindset, transforming rapid feedback into better products and better outcomes. We aren't looking for people who are content with the status quo- we look for builders who question it, improve it, and occasionally rewrite it.

If you're energized by solving complex systems challenges, excited to work alongside AI to amplify your impact, and motivated by the opportunity to shape what's next instead of simply maintaining what's been done before, you'll find your place here.

Join us and help build the future of enterprise technology. 

Senior Principal Thermal Engineer-Data Center Solutions

Thermal Engineering leads and delivers the development of innovative and compliant thermal design solutions, as well as cross-functional interfaces for computer systems and peripherals. Our team conducts the analysis, feasibility studies and testing of thermal products, instruments, subassemblies and packaging for new and existing products – and then oversees the introduction of design changes to the manufacturing organizations.

What you’ll achieve:

As a Senior Principal Thermal Engineer-Data Center Solutions, you will design and validate advanced thermal solutions for our data center customers. You will define system‑level thermal strategy, develop next‑generation cooling technologies, and deliver reliable air‑ and liquid‑cooled designs.

Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social impact as a Senior Principal Thermal Engineer-Data Center Solutions on our Thermal Engineering team in Austin, Texas (relocation assistance available). 

Take the first step towards your dream career
Every Dell Technologies team member brings something unique to the table. Here’s what we are looking for with this role:

Essential Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in an engineering role or equivalent skill; must include experience with liquid cooling systems, Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs) and advanced air‑cooling methods
• Deep knowledge of heat transfer, internal and external fluid dynamics and electronics cooling
• Proficiency in Creo for mechanical design and FloEFD (or equivalent tools) for thermal simulation
• Hands‑on experience interpreting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results
• Expertise in system‑level thermal architecture and engineering tradeoffs

Desirable 

• Graduate level degree in Thermal Engineering or related degree

Compensation

Dell is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $176,000-$242,000

You will: 

• Architect system‑level thermal solutions including cold plates, heat sinks, vapor chambers, fans, and airflow or coolant pathways for Data Center solutions
• Conduct analytical modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and empirical testing
• Drive thermal architecture decisions balancing performance, acoustics, cost, and long‑term reliability
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams, suppliers, and Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) / Joint Design Manufacturer (JDM) partners
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure compliance with Dell quality and sustainability standards