Director, Engineering Labs & Validation Operations

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world.A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.Job SummaryFlex intends to spin off its Cloud and Power Infrastructure segment into a new, independent publicly traded company, which we’re calling SpinCo, until the name is unveiled. The spin is planned for Q1 2027. If the intended spin occurs, this role will support SpinCo, which will focus on critical digital infrastructure, delivering end-to-end power and thermal management solutions for AI data centers and other mission-critical applications.To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Associate Principal Engineer, Systems Architecture located in Austin, TX.Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer,the Associate Principal Engineer, Systems Architecture will be responsible for defining and integrating system architectures for next-generation AI infrastructure platforms, translating customer and product requirements into scalable, reliable, and manufacturable solutions across power, cooling, compute, controls, software, and modular infrastructure systems. The role provides technical leadership throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development and architecture definition through validation, manufacturing readiness, and deployment.What a typical day looks like:Lead the definition of system architectures, requirements, interface specifications, and validation strategies for AI infrastructure platforms.Drive cross-functional integration across Systems, Electrical, Cooling, Software, Validation, Product Management, and Manufacturing teams.Develop system requirements, design trade studies, technical roadmaps, and architecture standards that support future platform scalability and reliability.Partner with engineering labs and validation teams to establish test strategies, qualification plans, and manufacturing readiness activities.Support customer demonstrations, proof-of-concept testing, technical reviews, and reference architecture development.Evaluate emerging technologies and drive architecture decisions across power, cooling, compute, controls, and software-enabled infrastructure solutions.Mentor engineering teams and promote systems engineering best practices, governance processes, and reusable platform standards.The experience we’re looking to add to our team:Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; Master’s degree preferred.10+ years of experience in systems engineering, systems architecture, infrastructure engineering, product development, or complex hardware platforms.Proven experience translating customer requirements into system architectures, specifications, interface definitions, and validation plans.Strong expertise in multidisciplinary system integration across power, cooling, compute, controls, networking, software, and infrastructure technologies.Experience with requirements management, architecture trade studies, technical risk management, and system-level verification and validation.Demonstrated success influencing cross-functional engineering teams and driving architecture decisions throughout the product lifecycle.Excellent customer-facing, leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to mentor engineers and lead complex technical initiatives.#LI-EA1EA42SS26AA01CH12MS14CC11EC37PF38JS21NV60FL75What you'll receive for the great work you provide:Full range of medical, dental, and vision plansLife InsuranceShort-term and Long-term DisabilityMatching 401(k) ContributionsVacation and Paid Sick TimeTuition Reimbursement Application Deadline:Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume.Job Posting Start Date 08-27-2026 Job Posting End Date 01-01-2027 Job CategoryDesign, Process & Technology EngineeringIs Sponsorship Available?NoFlex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email View email address on click.appcast.io and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).SummaryLocation: USA, TX, AustinType: Full time