Entry Level Thermal Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Job Overview:

Pay Range: $34.70hr - $36.62hr

Requirement/Must Have:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent hands-on lab experience.
• Demonstrated experience operating physical test and measurement equipment in a lab or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel: data entry, basic formulas, charting, and organized data logging.
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical datasheets, drawings and schematics and extract relevant specifications.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software for reviewing and interpreting drawings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail: measurements are recorded completely and accurately, every time.
• Ability to follow written instructions exactly as given — and to immediately flag anything that does not match the procedure.
• Quick learner: when handed a new piece of equipment, your instinct is to read the manual and figure it out.
• Experience working with hand tools such as manual and electrical screwdrivers, calipers and other typical lab tools.
• Methodical and precise approach to equipment setup.
• Ability to manage multiple ongoing test setups in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive about flagging problems early.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers and other technicians.

Responsibilities:

• Operate and set up 3D printers to produce test fixtures, brackets, and prototype parts.
• Install, condition, and record data from strain gauges and associated measurement bridges and amplifiers.
• Configure and run torque measurement test setups, including calibration and data capture.
• Set up and operate data loggers and thermocouples for thermal and structural tests.
• Conduct thermal interface material (TIM) characterization tests, including sample preparation, fixture assembly, and data capture.
• Perform mechanical assembly testing: verify fits, torque fasteners to specification, and document results.
• Work with force and pressure measurement equipment to execute load and contact tests.
• Handle and assemble PCBs, heatsinks, and hose assemblies as part of hardware test setups.
• Use SolidWorks to review part drawings, interpret geometry, and occasionally generate simple models or drawings for lab use.
• Record all measurements in Excel or similar software, maintain clean data logs, and produce clear written reports with findings and observations.
• Read and interpret electrical and mechanical datasheets and schematics to understand component specifications and wiring requirements.
• Follow written test procedures exactly as written; flag any deviation, ambiguity, or anomaly to the engineer immediately.

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with specific equipment brands: Mark-10, Graphtec, Instron, Keyence, Imada, Tekscan, Mitutoyo, Bambu Labs.
• Experience with statistical analysis software such as JMP, Minitab, or equivalent.
• Ability to use AI tools to write simple scripts or macros for lab data processing or equipment automation.
• Experience in soldering small PCB components.

Skills:

• 3D Printing.
• Strain Gauges.
• Torque Measurement.
• Data Loggers.
• Thermocouples.
• Thermal Interface Material (TIM) Characterization.
• Mechanical Assembly.
• SolidWorks.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Force and Pressure Measurement.
• Schematic Interpretation.
• Technical Reporting.

Qualification And Education:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field.

Due to nature of job The candidate must have Ability to perform hands-on work in a hardware lab environment.