Principal Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) Engineer - AI / Hyperscale Hardware
ZT Systems•Secaucus, NJ
•$116,250 - $193,750
About The Position
We are seeking a Principal Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) Engineer to drive hardware co-design, manufacturability, and supply chain readiness for our next-generation Data Center AI Infrastructure platform. In this role, you will act as the technical bridge between our System Architects, Mechanical/Thermal/Electrical Engineering teams, and strategic technology suppliers. You will engage with partners early in the concept phase (Phase 0/1) to de-risk high-density thermal architectures, complex high-speed PCBAs, and high-power delivery systems. Your goal is to ensure our AI computing systems achieve industry-leading time-to-market, uncompromised quality, and scalable cost-to-manufacture.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or Manufacturing Engineering.
- 4–8+ years in NPI engineering, hardware design, supplier technical development, or DFM for high-density compute, networking, or data center hardware.
- Hands-on experience with liquid cooling technologies (direct-to-chip, immersion, CDUs) or high-power/high-speed server architecture.
- Advanced knowledge of GD&T, CAD software (Creo, SolidWorks, or Siemens NX), and tolerance stack-up analysis for server chasses and rack enclosures.
- Direct experience conducting DFM reviews with Tier-1 EMS, PCB fabricators, and custom mechanical/thermal vendors.
- Ability to communicate effectively across cross-functional boundaries—translating high-level AI system requirements into actionable supplier specifications.
- Strong negotiation and technical decision-making skills in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
Nice To Haves
- Deep understanding of high-frequency materials (e.g., Megtron 6/7/8) and high-density interconnect (HDI) manufacturing.
- Familiarity with Telcordia, OCP (Open Compute Project) standards, and NEBS compliance.
- Experience with automated should-cost tools (e.g., aPriori) and PLM systems (Agile, Windchill).
Responsibilities
- AI Hardware Co-Design & Technical Integration
- Advanced Thermal & Liquid Cooling DFM: Partner with liquid cooling suppliers (CDUs, cold plates, quick disconnects/QDCs, manifolds) to review fluid dynamics, materials compatibility, leak-mitigation designs, and high-volume manufacturability.
- High-Speed PCBA & Custom Interconnects: Conduct early DFM/DFT reviews with EMS partners and substrate/PCB suppliers for complex AI accelerator boards, PCIe Gen 6/7, and optical interconnects (high layer-count PCBs, microvias, HDI).
- Power Delivery Systems: Collaborate with power supply and busbar manufacturers to optimize ultra-high-density power distribution units (PDUs), power shelves, and voltage regulator modules (VRMs) for 100kW+ rack architectures.
- Rack-Level Mechanical & Structural Integration: Work with chassis and rack-fabrication suppliers to ensure structural integrity, tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T), and blind-mate blind-connector alignment.
- Prototyping, Ramp, & Risk Mitigation
- Rapid NPI Prototyping: Oversee prototype builds with primary suppliers to accelerate engineering validation test (EVT) and design validation test (DVT) cycles.
- Single/Sole-Source De-Risking: Identify single-point-of-failure components early in the CAD/schematic lifecycle and drive second-source qualifying pathways or modular redesigns.
- Should-Cost & Process Yield Modeling: Analyze early component geometry, material selection, and process flows (e.g., skived vs. stamped cold plates, high-frequency laminates) to build accurate cost models and maximize production yields.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Performance-based annual bonus eligibility
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Tuition reimbursement for eligible education programs
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with access to leading providers
- Mental health resources and employee wellness support programs
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays
- Parental leave and family care support programs
- Structured training programs and on-the-job learning opportunities
- Matching gifts and volunteer programs to support causes you care about
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
