Mechanical and Thermal Laboratory Technician
Position Summary
Graphcore is a globally recognized leader in Artificial Intelligence computing systems. The company designs advanced semiconductors and data center hardware that provide the specialized processing power needed to drive AI innovation, while delivering the efficiency required to support its broader adoption.
As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore is a member of an elite family of companies responsible for some of the world’s most transformative technologies. We are opening a new AI Engineering Campus in Austin, which will play a central role in Graphcore's work building the future of AI computing.
Responsibilities
The Mechanical and Thermal Laboratory Technician is a hands-on technical role supporting the development and validation of advanced AI hardware systems for data center environments. Working as part of a cross-functional engineering team, this individual will be responsible for executing mechanical and thermal laboratory testing, supporting product validation activities, prototype fabrication and assisting with troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex hardware systems.
Requirements
- Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or a related technical field preferred.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered, including experienced non-degreed candidates or candidates with degrees in unrelated disciplines.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience working in mechanical laboratories, machine shops, test labs, or similar technical environments.
- Experience with server hardware platforms and data center equipment.
- Knowledge of Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) systems and their implementation in server environments.
- Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute mechanical and thermal test plans to validate hardware designs and cooling solutions against performance objectives and industry standards.
- Perform functional, thermal, and mechanical testing on server and data center hardware.
- Support engineers in the testing, debugging, troubleshooting, and validation of new and existing hardware platforms.
- Operate laboratory and machine shop equipment, including CNC milling machines, drill presses, and other fabrication tools.
- Ensure test instruments and equipment are properly calibrated and maintained.
- Read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, specifications, test procedures, and engineering documentation.
- Develop and document new test procedures and methodologies to support emerging technologies.
- Collect, analyze, and report test data to engineering teams.
- Assist with basic design, modeling, and analysis activities using computer-aided design (CAD) tools as needed.
- Assist with the installation, removal, loading, unloading, and movement of rack-mounted servers and other data center hardware.
- Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment as required.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Understanding of Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) technologies and server hardware integration.
- Ability to operate and maintain mechanical laboratory and machine shop equipment.
- Working knowledge of thermal testing methodologies, instrumentation, and data collection techniques.
- Basic understanding of electrical systems, electronics, and computer hardware.
- Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision while effectively collaborating within a team environment.
- Strong verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
- Ability to establish clear objectives, prioritize tasks, and execute plans effectively.
- Solid understanding of technical processes, procedures, and laboratory best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to manage moderately complex assignments requiring sound judgment and initiative.
- Ability to safely lift, move, and handle data center equipment and test hardware.
- Enthusiasm for technology and a willingness to learn new tools, processes, and technologies.
- Works under limited supervision on routine assignments and receives general guidance on new projects and initiatives.
- Experience working in laboratories, machine shops, and data center environments.
- May be required to lift and move equipment weighing fifty pounds and assist with the movement of larger systems using appropriate material-handling equipment.
- Participates in a fast-paced engineering environment focused on the development of innovative AI and data center hardware solutions.