Team Overview
The Data Center Engineering team for our Seattle-based technology client is looking for a Materials Engineer to join a team that is focused on advancing materials, processes, and standards that enable reliable, cost‑effective production of high‑performance liquid‑cooled data center systems. You’ll partner closely with mechanical, chemical, electrical, and field engineering teams, as well as external suppliers and labs, to improve cooling performance, reliability, and total cost of ownership across global deployments.
Key Responsibilities
Coolant Ownership & Standards
• Serve as the technical owner for liquid coolants—defining and maintaining specifications for base fluids, additives, and wetted materials, including contaminant limits and compatibility criteria.
• Build and drive a comprehensive sampling and testing program and implement global SOPs for coolant quality, contamination monitoring, and system validation.
Materials & Process Engineering
• Lead materials selection, process development, and fabrication methodology for components used in liquid cooling hardware and supporting infrastructure.
• Evaluate and recommend alternative materials for piping, manifolds, and enclosures; perform structural assessments to improve durability and cost‑efficiency.
• Conduct hands‑on laboratory testing and failure analysis and develop next‑generation materials to improve thermal performance and reliability.
Characterization & Test Development
• Define and execute material and fluid characterization using techniques such as SEM‑EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, spectrophotometry, optical microscopy, hardness testing, and mechanical property testing.
• Develop and maintain specifications, verification methods, and acceptance criteria.
Reliability, Compatibility & Contamination Control
• Own compatibility and corrosion assessments across metals, polymers, and composites in liquid loop environments.
• Drive root‑cause analysis for contamination events, field issues, and supplier non‑conformances.
Cross‑Functional & Supplier Collaboration
• Partner with engineering, operations, and supply chain to qualify materials and establish process controls with vendors.
• Communicate technical concepts across stakeholders and provide SME guidance to field and program teams.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in materials engineering, chemical/fluids processing, or related industrial environments.
• Hands‑on experience with materials selection, testing, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of chemical compatibility, corrosion mechanisms, coolant formulation, and contaminant analysis.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s or PhD in relevant disciplines.
• Expertise with electronic materials, contamination control, composites, polymers, or additive manufacturing.
• Background with cooling fluids, heat exchangers, liquid loop systems, or related industries.
• Experience with statistical analysis, experimental design, and global engineering teams.
What Success Looks Like
• Clear coolant quality standards and sampling programs adopted across sites.
• Cost‑efficient material selections validated for liquid cooling infrastructure.
• Improved reliability and performance of liquid‑cooled hardware through strong technical leadership.
Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
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