Material Research Module

About Asiacruit
At Asiacruit, we connect top technical talent with forward‑thinking global organizations. As part of our expanding high‑performance computing and data center solutions practice, we are building a specialized Materials Research Module focused on next‑generation thermal interface materials (TIMs) used in advanced liquid‑cooled server platforms.

We are seeking a Materials Research Module to lead material evaluation, reliability testing, and failure analysis for high‑performance TIMs supporting high‑power CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators in liquid‑cooling environments.

Position Overview

The Senior Materials Research Engineer will drive TIM technology assessment, selection, validation, and failure analysis across server and data center liquid‑cooling products. This role requires deep expertise in materials science, thermal interface technologies, and material reliability evaluation.
You will work closely with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and supplier teams to evaluate advanced TIM formulations—including metal-based TIMs (e.g., gallium alloys) and carbon-based materials (e.g., graphene films)—and ensure long‑term stability in real server operating conditions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Material Evaluation and Selection

• Lead the evaluation and selection of TIMs for liquid‑cooled cold plates used in servers and AI accelerator systems.

• Assess advanced materials such as:

  • Metal‑based TIMs (e.g., liquid metal alloys)

  • Carbon‑based TIMs (e.g., graphene, pyrolytic graphite)

• Perform benchmarking against conventional materials such as thermal grease and thermal gels to determine optimal performance, manufacturability, and reliability.

• Conduct material screening based on thermal performance, mechanical behavior, environmental stability, and cost.

2. Testing and Validation

• Lead the end‑to‑end testing and validation of TIMs in accordance with internal and international standards.

• Conduct testing across:

  • Thermal conductivity & thermal resistance

  • Interfacial thermal resistance

  • Long‑term reliability (aging, thermal cycling, thermal shock, vibration, humidity exposure)

  • Material compatibility and chemical stability with cold-plate materials and coolants

• Produce comprehensive validation reports, including data interpretation, risk assessments, and recommendations for mass production readiness.

3. Failure Analysis & Technical Problem Solving

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for TIM‑related failures such as:

  • Pump‑out

  • Dry‑out

  • Corrosion

  • Delamination and adhesion failures

• Utilize material characterization tools (e.g., optical microscopy, DSC/TGA, SEM if available) to identify failure mechanisms.

• Define corrective actions, propose design/process improvements, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement solutions.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Technical Support

• Serve as the TIM subject matter expert for product teams during design, validation, and mass production stages.

• Work closely with:

  • Mechanical design

  • Thermal engineering

  • Manufacturing process engineering

  • Quality and reliability teams

  • Suppliers and material vendors

• Provide technical guidance throughout the entire product lifecycle to ensure stable and scalable mass production.

5. Process & Knowledge Management

• Maintain and improve internal:

  • TIM selection guidelines

  • Material test standards

  • Design and reliability specifications

• Build and update internal materials databases, case libraries, and material performance records.

• Track industry developments, academic research trends, and emerging standards in TIMs and thermal materials.

Qualifications

1. Education

• Master’s degree or above in:

  • Materials Science

  • Chemistry

  • Thermal Engineering

  • Or related disciplines

• Bachelor’s degree will be considered with strong, relevant experience.

2. Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience in TIM evaluation, testing, and validation.

• Experience with server, HPC, or data center liquid cooling programs is highly preferred.

• Leadership experience or capability to manage module‑level projects is required.

3. Core Competencies

(1) Advanced Materials Evaluation

• Hands‑on experience evaluating at least one class of advanced TIMs:

  • Liquid metals (e.g., gallium-based alloys)

  • High‑thermal‑conductivity carbon materials (graphene films, pyrolytic graphite)

(2) Thermal Property Testing

• Strong knowledge of thermal measurement techniques:

  • Thermal conductivity

  • Thermal resistance

• Practical experience with:

  • Laser Flash Analyzers (LFA)

  • Thermal resistance measurement tools

  • TGA/DSC or equivalent thermal analysis instruments

(3) Reliability Testing & Failure Analysis

• Familiar with reliability test methods used for TIM qualification.

• Able to perform initial failure analysis using optical microscopy, spectroscopy, or thermal analysis equipment.

(4) Standards & Compliance

• Knowledge of domestic and international standards for material testing, qualification, and reliability assessments.

(5) Communication Skills

• Strong technical report writing and presentation skills.

• Able to read and interpret English technical standards and scientific literature.

• Capability to conduct bilingual (Chinese/English) technical discussions is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with server OEMs, hyperscale cloud providers, or HPC equipment.

• Familiarity with liquid cooling components, materials compatibility, corrosion behavior, and interface mechanics.

• Published work or patents related to TIMs, thermal materials, or reliability engineering.

• Experience collaborating with international suppliers or research institutions.

Why Join Asiacruit

• Participate in leading-edge materials engineering supporting global AI and data center platforms.

• Flexible/remote work options with access to advanced test labs as needed.

• Strong emphasis on technical excellence, continuous learning, and engineering rigor.

• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities.

• Work in a diverse, collaborative, and innovation-driven culture.