Lead Fluid Systems Engineer
Owns the fluid and process system design of Karman's HPU cooling hardware for AI data centers: developing P&IDs to ISA standards, sizing valves, heat exchangers, vessels and instrumentation, engaging suppliers, and supporting skid fabrication, factory testing, and field commissioning at customer sites.
- Compensation
- $125K–$175K / yr
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Lead
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- B.S. in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field
- 5+ years experience in fluid, thermal, or process system design (e.g., rocket propulsion, oil & gas, HVAC)
- Proven ability to develop P&IDs per ISA standards
- Experience selecting and sizing sensors, valves, orifices, heat exchangers, filters, and vessels
- Working knowledge of relevant industry standards
- Ability to read and contribute to control narratives
- Self-motivated, high performer able to self-manage, multi-task, and communicate excellently
Nice to have
- Experience running or contributing to HAZOP/PHA-type reviews
- Familiarity with turbomachinery systems and their auxiliary support systems
- Experience generating component specifications from customer requirements and cycle state points for supplier quotation
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and hands-on fabrication of skidded process equipment
- Experience supporting factory acceptance or performance testing of packaged rotating equipment systems
- Experience commissioning equipment in the field and training customer operators
- Familiarity with industrial automation and the vendor ecosystem
Full description
About Karman Industries
Karman Industries is a Torrance-based thermal technology company building the backbone for giga-scale AI infrastructure. Founded by a team from SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and GE, Karman is moving beyond legacy cooling with the launch of the HPU (Heat Processing Unit)—a new category of thermal architecture designed for the 100kW+ rack era.
The HPU shrinks the exterior mechanical yard by up to 80% while reducing peak energy consumption by 10%+. Unlike traditional systems, the Karman HPU provides zero-water (WUE 0) cooling that ensures high-TDP GPUs and HBM4 memory stay at optimal thermal setpoints without throttling.
Founded in 2024, we’re a fast-growing team of passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible impact on the future of humanity. We design, build, and test real hardware, and we lead with ownership: you’ll own your work from concept to hardware and help shape how we scale. Our values are Ownership, Performance Excellence, Radical Transparency, and Customer-Centricity.
Join us in our mission to transform the industry and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Lead Fluid Systems Engineer
Karman Industries is seeking a highly motivated Fluid Systems Engineer (considering all level from Lead/Senior/ Staff) to join our team designing the next generation of heat processing systems. The candidate will own the fluid and process system design of the Karman Heat Processing Unit (HPU) and subsequent product development, focused on P&ID development and component specification, while supporting skid fabrication, packaged system testing, and field commissioning. The role spans design, analysis, supplier engagement, and hands-on support of build, test, and customer sites. We are a team that relies on a strong first principles approach, working together to deliver a cohesively developed system.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and own P&IDs for Karman HPU and future product lines in accordance with ISA standards
- Select and specify instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature) based on operating conditions, accuracy, sensitivity, and process compatibility
- Size control valves, relief devices, orifices, and other flow components, and identify and engage suitable suppliers
- Size stationary equipment such as heat exchangers, filters, and vessels
- Work with the applications engineering team to interpret customer specifications and translate cycle design state points into component specifications and datasheets for supplier inquiry
- Read and contribute to control narratives in collaboration with the controls team
- Lead or provide critical feedback during HAZOP, PHA, and other system-level safety analyses