Sr. Design Manager, Chemistry / Materials - Liquid Cooling

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Design Manager, Chemistry / Materials - Liquid Cooling

Company: Super Micro Computer

Location: Taoyuan City, Taiwan

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Materials Science / Operations Management

Date Posted: May 09, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end strategic project management for all coolant-related initiatives, ensuring comprehensive ownership of material and coolant tasks within liquid cooling systems.

• Drive process engineering excellence by designing, scaling, and optimizing chemical blending and dilution processes, establishing rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent, electronic-grade purity.

• Oversee Quality Assurance and laboratory infrastructure, defining stringent QC gate-keeping standards and utilizing precision instruments for critical parameter monitoring.

• Conduct thorough material compatibility and failure analysis, validating long-term interactions and leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to guarantee hardware reliability in demanding environments.

• Manage the supply chain and strategic sourcing of chemical concentrates and raw materials to support the exponential growth of AI data centers.

• Champion sustainability and EHS compliance, ensuring adherence to environmental regulations and leading the transition towards eco-friendly cooling solutions.

• Serve as a cross-functional Subject Matter Expert (SME), bridging technical gaps between Thermal Engineering, Global Supply Chain, and Facility Operations for seamless liquid cooling deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on the chemical and materials science aspects of liquid cooling within the context of large-scale data center infrastructure, particularly for AI workloads. The "Sr. Design Manager" title, combined with "End-to-End Ownership" and "from-zero-to-one" project experience, indicates a senior leadership position requiring strategic vision, deep technical expertise, and hands-on project execution capabilities. The emphasis on EHS compliance and sustainability, particularly PFAS-free solutions, points to a forward-looking role critical for future data center operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the strategic planning, execution, and management of all coolant-related initiatives, serving as the primary owner for material and coolant tasks within liquid cooling systems.

• Design, scale, and optimize chemical blending and dilution processes, establishing rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure precise concentration, electronic-grade purity, and batch-to-batch consistency.

• Define strict Quality Control (QC) gate-keeping standards and establish/oversee an in-house laboratory to monitor critical parameters such as dielectric strength, conductivity, and pH using precision instruments (e.g., ICP-MS, FTIR).

• Validate long-term interactions between coolants and infrastructure components, leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for any material degradation, corrosion, or system failures to ensure 100% hardware reliability.

• Qualify raw material suppliers, manage the procurement of chemical concentrates, and ensure a resilient, cost-effective supply chain to support exponential AI data center growth.

• Ensure all facilities comply with environmental regulations (e.g., REACH, EPA), proactively leading the industry transition toward PFAS-free and eco-friendly cooling solutions.

• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) to bridge technical gaps between Thermal Engineering, Global Supply Chain, and Facility Operations, ensuring seamless liquid cooling deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on process engineering, and supply chain management, all critical for ensuring the operational integrity and sustainability of advanced liquid cooling systems for high-performance computing environments. The explicit mention of AI data center growth emphasizes the role's strategic importance in enabling cutting-edge technology infrastructure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, semiconductor chemical delivery systems (CDS), or data center cooling infrastructure.

• Proven track record in managing "from-zero-to-one" facility setup or large-scale technical projects from inception to completion. Required Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of heat transfer fluids, including dielectric fluids and PG/Water mixtures, and their chemical/physical properties.

• Familiarity with chemical analytical techniques and precision instruments such as ICP-MS, Ion Chromatography, and FTIR.

• Exceptional project management skills with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams under tight deadlines.

• Strong problem-solving capabilities for complex failure analysis (FA) and root cause determination.

• Proficiency in technical communication and vendor negotiation.

• Understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives (e.g., REACH, EPA, PFAS-free solutions). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with semiconductor chemical delivery systems (CDS).

• Familiarity with Viscometers and other relevant chemical analysis equipment.

• Experience in data center liquid cooling deployments and thermal management strategies.

• Mandarin language proficiency for effective technical communication and vendor negotiation in a global supply chain context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "Minimum 8 years" coupled with the "from-zero-to-one" project experience suggests that candidates with 10+ years of relevant experience may be strongly considered, aligning with the AI-derived experience level. The dual language requirement (English and Mandarin) is a key differentiator for roles involving international supply chain management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented evidence of leading the setup of new chemical processing facilities or significant technical infrastructure projects ("from-zero-to-one" initiatives).

• Case studies demonstrating the design, optimization, and scaling of chemical blending and dilution processes, with metrics on purity and consistency improvements.

• Examples of established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for chemical handling, blending, and quality control, showcasing rigorous process documentation.

• Records of implementing and managing Quality Control (QC) gate-keeping standards, including laboratory setup and operational procedures.

• Detailed analyses of material compatibility studies and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reports for system failures related to coolants or materials.

• Evidence of supply chain qualification for raw materials and chemical concentrates, including cost-effectiveness and resilience strategies.

• Projects demonstrating compliance with environmental regulations (e.g., REACH, EPA) and successful transition to eco-friendly solutions like PFAS-free coolants. Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams and documentation for chemical blending, dilution, and dispensing processes, highlighting optimization efforts.

• SOPs for laboratory operations, including sample handling, testing procedures, instrument calibration, and data recording.

• Process flow for supplier qualification, raw material procurement, and inventory management for chemical concentrates.

• Documentation of failure analysis methodologies and RCA processes applied to material degradation or system failures.

• Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) compliance protocols and procedures related to chemical handling and waste management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to showcase a portfolio that vividly illustrates project leadership, process engineering acumen, quality control implementation, and supply chain management expertise specifically within the chemical and materials science domain relevant to liquid cooling. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable results and demonstrable impact on reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the Sr. Design Manager title, 10+ years of experience, specialized technical skills, and location in Taiwan, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between TWD 1,800,000 - TWD 2,800,000 annually. This range accounts for the senior-level responsibilities, the critical nature of liquid cooling for AI infrastructure, and regional compensation benchmarks for specialized engineering management roles in Taiwan.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k equivalent in Taiwan) with potential company matching.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and testing facilities. Working Hours:

Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the project leadership and critical nature of the role, occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines and address urgent operational issues, especially during critical deployment phases or failure analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for senior engineering management roles in Taiwan, considering the specialized nature of liquid cooling chemistry and materials science, and the company's position as a major technology provider. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Manufacturing, Server & Storage Solutions, Cloud Computing, AI Infrastructure. Supermicro is a significant player in providing high-performance computing hardware, constantly innovating to support the demands of AI, data centers, and cloud environments.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (typically 10,000+ employees globally). Supermicro is a rapidly growing company with a substantial global footprint and workforce.

Founded: 1993. With decades of experience, Supermicro has established itself as a reliable and innovative provider in the tech hardware space.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within an engineering or advanced technology development group, possibly reporting to a Director or VP of Engineering/R&D.

• Direct reports may include chemical engineers, materials scientists, lab technicians, and project coordinators focused on liquid cooling technologies.

• Close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Thermal Engineering, Global Supply Chain, Facility Operations, Product Management, and Quality Assurance. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing laboratory results, performance metrics, and failure analysis data to guide strategy and process improvements.

• Agile and iterative approaches to project management, particularly in R&D and new facility setup, to adapt to evolving technology requirements and market demands.

• Strong adherence to process optimization and SOP development for ensuring consistency, reliability, and efficiency in manufacturing and operations.

• A culture of innovation, encouraging the exploration of new materials and cooling solutions to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly advancing AI hardware sector.

Company Website: https://www.supermicro.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Supermicro's culture is likely fast-paced and results-oriented, reflecting its rapid growth and position in the competitive tech hardware market. The focus on engineering and innovation for cutting-edge applications like AI suggests a technically demanding but rewarding environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in chemistry and materials science, coupled with robust project management and leadership skills. The role is responsible for critical infrastructure components that directly impact the reliability and performance of Supermicro's advanced computing solutions.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President level executive within Engineering, R&D, or a specialized Advanced Technology group. This position has significant influence and is expected to guide strategic decisions related to liquid cooling materials and processes.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is ensuring the reliability, performance, and scalability of liquid cooling systems, which are crucial for the high-density, high-power consumption demands of modern AI and HPC data centers. Success directly contributes to Supermicro's ability to deliver robust and efficient hardware solutions, impacting customer satisfaction, operational uptime, and the company's reputation for innovation and quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director-level roles overseeing broader engineering disciplines or specialized technology areas within liquid cooling or thermal management.

• Opportunity to lead larger, more complex R&D initiatives or global engineering teams.

• Potential to become a key figure in the company's strategy for next-generation cooling technologies and sustainable data center solutions.

• Development into a recognized industry expert in advanced cooling materials and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a growth-oriented technology company, allowing for specialization and leadership development in a critical and evolving field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, likely involving a combination of office-based work for strategic planning, project management, and cross-functional meetings, as well as laboratory work for testing, analysis, and process validation.

Office Location(s): Taoyuan City, Taiwan. This location is a significant hub for technology manufacturing and R&D in Taiwan, offering access to a skilled workforce and established supply chains.

Workspace Context:

• Access to well-equipped chemical laboratories with advanced analytical instrumentation (ICP-MS, FTIR, etc.) for material testing and quality control.

• Collaborative office spaces designed to facilitate interaction with engineering teams, supply chain partners, and facility management.

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI hardware and data center technologies, providing a dynamic and technically stimulating work environment.

• The role requires hands-on engagement with processes and materials, necessitating a physically present and active role within the facilities.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week may require flexibility. Given the critical nature of data center operations and AI infrastructure deployment, there may be instances where extended hours or weekend work are necessary to address urgent issues, support critical project milestones, or respond to unforeseen operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is essential due to the hands-on nature of laboratory work, process validation, and direct collaboration with manufacturing and facility operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and potentially a hiring manager will review your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and fit.

• Technical Interviews: Expect multiple rounds of interviews focusing on your technical expertise in chemical engineering, materials science, liquid cooling, and analytical techniques. This may include problem-solving scenarios and discussions of past projects.

• Project/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio, showcasing specific examples of "from-zero-to-one" projects, process optimization, failure analysis, and supply chain management. Be prepared to deep-dive into your contributions, methodologies, and outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential peers or stakeholders from Thermal Engineering, Supply Chain, or Facility Operations to assess collaboration skills and ability to bridge technical gaps.

• Leadership/Managerial Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and overall fit with Supermicro's culture and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight "From-Zero-to-One": Clearly articulate your role in initiating and establishing new processes, labs, or projects from scratch. Use specific examples and quantify the scale and impact.

• Showcase Process Optimization: Detail your approach to designing, scaling, and optimizing chemical blending and dilution processes. Use diagrams, metrics (purity, consistency, yield), and explain the methodologies used.

• Demonstrate Failure Analysis Expertise: Present case studies of complex failure analyses you've led. Explain your RCA methodology, the instruments used (ICP-MS, FTIR), and the corrective actions taken to ensure 100% hardware reliability.

• Quantify Supply Chain Success: Illustrate how you qualified suppliers, managed procurement, and built a resilient, cost-effective supply chain. Include examples of cost savings or risk mitigation.

• Emphasize Sustainability: Showcase your experience with EHS compliance and any initiatives you've led for eco-friendly solutions (e.g., PFAS-free).

• Tailor for Liquid Cooling: Ensure your examples are relevant to the specific challenges and requirements of liquid cooling in high-performance computing environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for hypothetical scenarios related to coolant contamination, material incompatibility, supply chain disruptions, or EHS compliance issues.

• Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you'll need to communicate with diverse teams.

• Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you manage cross-functional teams, and your approach to problem-solving under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that demonstrate not just technical knowledge but also project leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive tangible results in a complex operational environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Chemical Process Design & Simulation Software: (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) for process modeling and optimization.

• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS): For managing laboratory data, samples, and workflows.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for supply chain management, procurement, and inventory control.

• Project Management Software: (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project) for strategic project leadership and cross-functional team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Analysis Software: (e.g., Minitab, JMP) for data analysis, process capability studies, and quality control charting.

• Data Visualization Tools: (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for presenting complex data on chemical properties, performance metrics, and failure analysis findings.

• Laboratory Analytical Instruments: ICP-MS, FTIR, Ion Chromatography, Viscometers, dielectric strength testers, conductivity meters, pH meters.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how customer feedback and operational performance data integrate into CRM systems for product improvement is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Experience with laboratory automation or process automation technologies to improve efficiency and consistency.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different systems (ERP, LIMS, project management) integrate to provide a cohesive operational view.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific analytical instruments and process simulation software is highly valued. Familiarity with ERP systems for supply chain aspects and LIMS for lab management is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability & Quality: A core value, directly tied to ensuring 100% hardware reliability through meticulous material selection and coolant management.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Driving continuous improvement in processes, materials, and cooling solutions to enhance performance and cost-effectiveness.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: Commitment to environmental stewardship, EHS compliance, and the development of eco-friendly technologies.

• Collaboration & Expertise: Fostering a culture where technical expertise is shared across teams to solve complex challenges.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Basing strategies and operational adjustments on rigorous data analysis and empirical evidence.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring seamless interaction between R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Facilities teams.

• Emphasis on clear, concise technical communication to bridge the gap between chemical/materials science and mechanical/thermal engineering.

• Proactive engagement with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on quality standards, supply chain resilience, and project timelines.

• A culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, particularly concerning emerging materials and cooling technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values technical rigor, innovation, and a strong sense of ownership, especially given its rapid growth and focus on cutting-edge technology.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving AI Demands: Keeping pace with the increasing power density and thermal challenges of next-generation AI hardware requires continuous innovation in cooling solutions.

• Supply Chain Complexity: Ensuring a consistent, high-quality supply of specialized chemical concentrates from global suppliers can be challenging, especially with geopolitical or logistical disruptions.

• Transition to Sustainable Solutions: Leading the industry transition towards PFAS-free and other eco-friendly coolants while maintaining performance and cost-effectiveness.

• Material Compatibility in Extreme Environments: Validating long-term material interactions under high temperatures, pressures, and chemical stresses in advanced data center environments.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively aligning diverse teams (Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, Facilities) with potentially different priorities and technical languages.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in advanced dielectric fluids, heat transfer mechanisms, and novel cooling technologies.

• Gain exposure to global supply chain dynamics and strategic sourcing for critical materials.

• Develop leadership skills in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects in a high-growth technology environment.

• Opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., Supercomputing, thermal management summits) and pursue relevant certifications.

• Contribute to shaping the future of sustainable data center infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is at the forefront of a critical technology area, offering significant challenges and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience leading a 'from-zero-to-one' project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure success in establishing new processes or facilities?" (Focus on your project management, strategic planning, and execution capabilities.)

• "How would you approach designing and validating a new chemical blending process for dielectric coolants to ensure electronic-grade purity and batch-to-batch consistency?" (Prepare to discuss your methodology, QC measures, and analytical techniques.)

• "Walk us through a complex failure analysis you conducted related to material degradation or system failure. What was your RCA process, what tools did you use, and what were the ultimate corrective actions?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills and technical depth.)

• "How do you ensure EHS compliance and drive the adoption of sustainable solutions, such as PFAS-free coolants, within an industrial setting?" (Showcase your understanding of regulations and commitment to sustainability.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Supermicro's role in the AI and HPC market, and how do you see your expertise in liquid cooling contributing to our mission?" (Research Supermicro's latest product lines and strategic initiatives.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with teams like Thermal Engineering and Global Supply Chain, who may have different technical priorities?" (Emphasize your communication skills and ability to find common ground.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with differing technical opinions. How did you reach a consensus?" (Prepare examples demonstrating your negotiation and advocacy skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key responsibility areas (Project Leadership, Process Engineering, QA/Lab, Failure Analysis, Supply Chain, Sustainability).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem, your solution, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., % improvement in purity, reduction in failure rate, cost savings, time to market).

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, and images of lab setups or equipment where appropriate to illustrate your points.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each case study, highlighting your role as a leader and problem-solver.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to answer detailed technical questions about the chemistry, materials, and analytical techniques involved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak at length about their technical contributions and leadership in complex projects. The interview process will likely test not only their knowledge but also their ability to apply it strategically within a fast-paced, innovation-driven company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Design Manager, Chemistry / Materials - Liquid Cooling position:

• Submit your application through the Super Micro Computer careers portal via the provided job link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a comprehensive portfolio that highlights your experience in chemical process engineering, material science, liquid cooling, and project leadership, with a strong emphasis on "from-zero-to-one" projects and quantifiable achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to prominently feature keywords related to liquid cooling, dielectric fluids, chemical engineering, materials science, failure analysis, supply chain management, and EHS compliance. Clearly articulate your leadership experience and project successes.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific case studies, focusing on your problem-solving methodologies, technical expertise, and leadership approach. Be ready to discuss your understanding of Supermicro's market position and the critical role of advanced cooling solutions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Supermicro's products, recent news, and strategic focus on AI, HPC, and data center solutions. Understand their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.