Thermal Validation Engineer

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is based in San Jose, CA and require 5 days/week in-office collaboration.

We are seeking a Thermal Validation Engineer to lead the design, execution, and analysis of thermal validation across Figure’s humanoid robot platform. This role spans from early subsystem and component characterization to full-robot testing, ensuring reliable thermal performance across all operating conditions.

You will own the thermal validation strategy from first article through fleet rollout, collaborating closely with thermal, mechanical, electrical, firmware, and systems integration teams to correlate simulation with hardware results and drive design improvements. Success in this role requires deep technical expertise in thermal systems, strong hands-on experimentation skills, and the ability to translate test data into actionable insights that shape system architecture and design decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the thermal validation strategy across subsystem and full-robot levels, from first article to fleet rollout

• Create and execute detailed test plans for steady-state and transient thermal performance

• Design and instrument test setups using thermocouples, IR cameras, wind tunnels, and DAQs to measure temperature, power, and flow

• Analyze and correlate test data with simulation models to validate cooling performance and guide design improvements

• Characterize and validate heatsinks, fans, and thermal interfaces for high-power compute and actuator assemblies through cycling and stress testing

• Automate test execution and analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools, and document results to ensure repeatable validation processes

Requirements:

• 5–8 years of hands-on experience designing or validating thermal systems for complex electromechanical, compute, or robotics platforms

• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, including air and liquid cooling systems

• Proficiency with thermal instrumentation and DAQ tools such as thermocouples, IR cameras, and power analyzers

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and correlate thermal test data with simulation results to validate designs

• Skilled in Python or MATLAB for test automation, data collection, and analysis

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Thermal, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with thermal simulation tools such as FloTHERM, Icepak, or COMSOL

• Background in robotics, "consumer electronics", EV, or aerospace systems involving high-density compute and power electronics

• Familiarity with environmental chamber testing, thermal cycling, and accelerated life testing

• Proven track record leading validation projects or mentoring junior engineers

• Experience with reliability and design-for-thermal-validation methodologies

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $150,000 and $250,000 annually.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.