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Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

R&D Test Technician

Jessup, MD · On-site

$21.75 - $32.63/hr

Piping and instrumentation of evaporative heat transfer equipment for thermal, sound and vibration ... This role interfaces with multiple engineering teams and the production environment. KNOWLEDGE ...

R&D Test Technician

Jessup, MD · On-site

$21.75 - $32.63/hr

Piping and instrumentation of evaporative heat transfer equipment for thermal, sound and vibration ... This role interfaces with multiple engineering teams and the production environment. KNOWLEDGE ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$34K

$78.6K

$133.6K

How much do entry level heat transfer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level heat transfer engineer in Washington, DC is $78,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $88,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level heat transfer engineer do?

An Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and optimizing systems that involve the transfer of heat, such as heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to conduct calculations, run simulations, and prepare technical reports. Their responsibilities may include supporting the development of heat exchangers, thermal systems for electronics, or energy-efficient building solutions. They also help with testing prototypes, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level heat transfer engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering with coursework in thermodynamics and heat transfer, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software such as ANSYS, MATLAB, or COMSOL, and a basic understanding of CAD tools, is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These competencies enable accurate design, analysis, and collaboration, which are essential for solving complex thermal challenges and supporting engineering projects.

What are some typical projects or tasks that entry level heat transfer engineers handle during their first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer, you can expect to assist with tasks such as conducting thermal analyses, supporting the design and testing of heat exchangers, and creating or updating simulation models. You'll likely work closely with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to troubleshoot issues, interpret test results, and help prepare technical documentation. These hands-on experiences not only build your technical skills but also give you insight into industry-specific standards and collaborative project workflows.

What is the difference between Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Heat Transfer EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; basic knowledge of heat transfer principlesBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related; proficiency in CAD software
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, product development teams
Industry UsageHVAC, aerospace, energy, manufacturingAutomotive, consumer products, machinery, aerospace
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineers focus on analyzing and applying heat transfer principles in various industries, often working in research or manufacturing settings. Mechanical Design Engineers develop and optimize mechanical components and systems, frequently using CAD tools. While both roles require a mechanical engineering background, their daily tasks and industry applications differ, making this comparison useful for those exploring entry-level opportunities in mechanical fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heat Transfer Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Heat Transfer Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Heat Transfer Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 58% In-person, and 42% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,559 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Hardware Engineer (High Performance Computing Digital Design Engineering) - Entry Level (Maryland)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$87K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. The NSA offers multiple areas of focus for facilities engineers, including computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural.

Qualifications:The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or related field (for example, electronics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics).
For Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET accredited, it must include specified coursework.*
*Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) Any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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