Mechanical Engineering Lead - AI Rack Scale Systems

What MatX is Building MatX is building next-generation AI compute infrastructure purpose-built for large-scale LLM training and inference. We are looking for a Mechanical Engineering Lead to own the mechanical design, thermal architecture, and system integration of our rack-scale AI platform from concept through production. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will drive the mechanical design of our AI compute trays, ORV3/ORW rack systems, and fully liquid-cooled infrastructure, working closely with hardware, thermal, electrical, and JDM/ODM partners to bring a world-class AI data center platform to life. What You'll Do Here Own mechanical design of AI compute trays, rack enclosures, and full rack-scale systems from concept through production, built to OCP standards — covering structural design, sheet metal, extrusions, castings, and rack-level integration. Direct mechanical engineers on 3D models and 2D drawings for every component and assembly (DFMA-based datum schemes), and run tolerance stack-ups to define IQC, IPQC, and OQC criteria across EVT, DVT, and PVT. Own rack-level integration (power distribution, cable management, blind-mate connectors, backplane interface, tray insertion/extraction) and packaging design, partnering with JDM/ODM to refine both. Lead liquid cooling design and qualification — cold plates, manifolds, CDU interfaces, QD fittings — from components through L10/L11/L12 validation; partner with thermal engineering on cooling architecture and leak detection. Champion DFM/DFA practices, drive 100% functional test coverage, and guide reliability testing, RMA, and failure analysis. Serve as lead mechanical point of contact for JDM/ODM — running DFM/qualification reviews, owning BOM and drawings, and authoring DVT/PVT test plans (structural, vibration, shock, thermal, prototype builds). Ensure designs meet OCP, ASHRAE, and IEC standards; build and mentor the mechanical/thermal team while managing schedules and risk alongside TPM. Who You Are 15+ years of mechanical engineering experience in server, data center, or AI compute hardware, with hands-on experience designing mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and assemblies at the tray and rack level Experience leading mechanical teams to design rack-scale hardware: compute trays, rack enclosures, or server platforms delivered to OCP Open Rack standards Experience in volumetric analysis, stack tolerance analysis, and FEA analysis Experience integrating liquid cooling systems (cold plates, manifolds, CDU interfaces) into the whole architecture Experience generating DFMA with sheet metal, extrusion, casting, and machining manufacturing processes Experience in sustainable manufacturing compliance, and design of fixtures and test setups for multiple applications (in-process testing, reliability testing, functional testing) Experience leading the ODM/JDM in setting up an assembly line through EVT, DVT, PVT, and MP phases Bonus Points Experience with high-power AI accelerator platforms Prior experience designing for OCP ORV3 or Open Rack Wide (ORW) platforms, or direct involvement in an OCP contribution/workstream. Hands-on experience with direct-to-chip liquid cooling at rack scale — cold plate design, manifold routing, QD fitting selection, and CDU integration for high power racks. Experience taking a mechanical design through high-volume manufacturing with JDM/ODM partners in Taiwan or China, including on-site NPI support. Familiarity with rear door heat exchanger (RDHx) integration as a complement to DLC for residual thermal load. Compensation The US base salary for this full-time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job-related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation. Early Career - $160,000 - $275,000 + equity Mid Career - $175,000 - $400,000 + equity Senior Career - $250,000 - $600,000 + equity What We Offer Time off: 4 weeks PTO (accrued) + 12 company Holidays + up to 3 weeks remote work Health: Company-subsidized Medical (Kaiser or Anthem) for employees & dependents, Guardian Dental and Vision insurances for employee & dependents, and life insurance (employee only), plus HSA and FSA offerings via Lively. Financial Wellbeing: Choose from Roth IRA/ 401K (or both) retirement plans with up to 5% company contribution to 401K (even if you don't contribute). Also, 100% company-paid life insurance (up to $300K) and long-term disability insurances. Professional Development: $1500 Professional Development Budget (per year) Team Meals: MatX provides onsite team lunch & dinner Monday - Friday, with your choice of ordering via WeBox, Specialty’s or via our reimbursement system Commute on Us: Commute on our company Uber account, or reimburse your train rides. Either way, we pay 100% for your daily commute. MatX E[x]tras: $50/mo to use on the perk you value most Cell & Internet Reimbursement: $35/mo for cellular and $40/mo for wifi Mental Wellbeing: 100% paid mental health benefit via SpringHealth and Guardian EAP. Support to Parents: Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave regardless of path to parenthood, 10 weeks pregnancy disability leave, flexible return-to-work hours, and Benepass reproductive health & parental benefit. AI Resources: Up to $20K/month plus a dedicated internal AI Tooling Team to support your productivity As part of our dedication to the diversity of our team and our focus on creating an inviting and inclusive work experience, MatX is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and work from our offices in Mountain View Tuesdays-Thursdays. This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform job functions in compliance with U.S. export control laws without obtaining a license from U.S. export control authorities. MatX does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or People team and any resumes submitted are deemed to be the property of MatX.