NVIDIA · 5 hours ago
Data Center Materials Engineer
Santa Clara, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$184K/yr - $345K/yr
12+ years expNVIDIA is at the forefront of AI computing, seeking a Data Center Materials Engineer to lead materials strategy and qualification for their data centers. This role involves defining materials specifications, ensuring reliability and sustainability, and collaborating with various teams to enhance the performance of NVIDIA’s cooling infrastructure.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Consumer ElectronicsGPUHardwareSoftwareVirtual Reality
Responsibilities
Specify and qualify wetted metals & alloys (e.g., Cu/CuNi, Ni-braze, 316L/2205 SS, Ti, Al), polymers and composites (PPSU, PEEK, PVDF, PTFE), elastomers (EPDM, FKM/FFKM, NBR, HNBR), solders/brazes, sealants/adhesives, coatings/linings, and surface treatments (passivation, phosphating, anodizing)
Define fluid compatibility envelopes for single-phase glycols/water and two-phase working fluids/refrigerants, including oils/additives/biocides/inhibitors; write cleanliness, chemistry, and monitoring specs (e.g., pH, conductivity, chlorides, hardness, TOC, particle count)
Architect corrosion and erosion control programs, including mitigation of galvanic couples between Al–Cu and other dissimilar metals, crevice and under-deposit corrosion, MIC, and slurry erosion; establish flow velocity and operational limits to prevent erosive wear in all fluid systems
Lead test and qualification plans: coupon and assembly-level testing (ASTM/ISO/G-series), electrochemical methods (EIS, potentiodynamic), elastomer swell/durometer retention, pressure/thermal cycling, HALT/HASS, cleanliness verification (ISO 4406/MIL-STD-1246C), life modeling & acceleration factors
Run failure analyses and close the loop with design and suppliers: root-cause via SEM/EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, GC-MS, ICP-OES/MS, ion chromatography; drive corrective actions (8D/FRACAS) and update specifications
Write and enforce material and process specifications for partners (AEC/MEP, OEMs, CMs, vendors); review P&IDs, BoMs, weld maps, braze/filler selections, flange/gasket stacks, passivation & flushing procedures, preservation & layup plans
Integrate materials intelligence into digital twins: provide temperature-/chemistry-dependent property libraries and degradation models for SimReady assets (used in hydronic/thermal/CFD and reliability simulations)
Engage with industry standards bodies such as ASHRAE, ASME, and the Open Compute Project (OCP) to advance industry standards, testing methodologies, and materials best practices for liquid-cooled data centers
Ensure regulatory and sustainability alignment: guide compliance for RoHS/REACH/TSCA, potable/non-potable water use, refrigerant transitions, PFAS minimization strategies, and end-of-life considerations
Partner across NVIDIA (DCE, product cooling, reliability, controls) and with external vendors to ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, and scalable at GW scope
Qualification
Required
BS/MS (or equivalent experience) in Materials Science/Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field; PhD a plus
12+ years in materials for mission-critical infrastructure (data centers, power, process, aerospace, or semiconductor fabs) with emphasis on wetted systems
Hands-on expertise in corrosion science, fluid–material compatibility, and elastomer/polymer selection for mixed-metal hydronic and refrigeration systems
Proven experience crafting material and cleanliness specifications, test plans, and supplier qualification packages; strong command of ASTM/ISO test methods
Ability to analyze and mitigate galvanic corrosion between dissimilar materials, with knowledge of coatings, isolation methods, and material pair optimization
Experience defining fluid flow and erosion limits to maintain material integrity and long-term reliability
Proficiency with materials characterization and FA (SEM/EDS, XRD, XPS, ICP-OES/MS, FTIR/GC-MS) and interpretation into actionable design rules
Ability to translate lab results into field-relevant life models and operating guard-bands (chemistry, temperature, velocity, ΔP, vibration)
Clear, concise technical communication; effective collaboration with design, manufacturing, and vendor teams
Preferred
Experience with AI/HPC and data center cooling systems (CRAHs, CDUs, HXs, manifolds, plants, towers, dry coolers) and knowledge of two-phase fluids, refrigerants, and seal/oil compatibility
Knowledge of MEP codes, ASME/PED standards, welding/brazing, NDE, and water-treatment programs for reliable, long-life operation
Experience linking materials data to digital twins and CFD/hydronic models, collaborating with suppliers and standards bodies (ASHRAE, ASME, OCP, ASTM)
Demonstrated engagement with standards bodies (ASHRAE TC9.9, ASME, OCP, ASTM) and contribution to new test or specification development
Track record driving multi-supplier alignment, cost-reliability tradeoffs, and sustainability targets (heat reuse, low-toxicity chemistries)
Benefits
Equity
Benefits
Company
NVIDIA
NVIDIA is a computing platform company operating at the intersection of graphics, HPC, and AI.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
NVIDIA has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
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Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$4.09BKey Investors
ARPA-EARK Investment ManagementSoftBank Vision Fund
2023-05-09Grant· $5M
2022-08-09Post Ipo Equity· $65M
2021-02-18Post Ipo Equity
Leadership Team
Jensen Huang
Founder and CEO
Michael Kagan
Chief Technology Officer
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