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Entry Level Thermal Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Thermal Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.5K

$70.4K

$119.8K

How much do entry level thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level thermal engineer in Chicago, IL is $70,432.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $79,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level thermal engineer?

An Entry Level Thermal Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, analysis, and testing of thermal management systems for various applications, such as electronics, aerospace, or automotive industries. They work with senior engineers to assess heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and insulation strategies to ensure efficient thermal performance. Their tasks may include running simulations, conducting experiments, and preparing reports to support product development. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and computational tools are essential for this role.

What types of projects or tasks can an entry level thermal engineer expect to work on during their first year?

In your first year as an Entry Level Thermal Engineer, you can expect to assist with thermal analyses, run simulations, and support the design and testing of systems related to heat transfer and energy efficiency. Typical tasks may include data collection from experiments, preparing reports, and helping senior engineers with troubleshooting and optimization. You'll also likely collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, to integrate thermal solutions into larger projects. These experiences build your technical expertise and problem-solving skills, setting the foundation for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level thermal engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Thermal Engineer, you need a solid grounding in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with computational tools like ANSYS, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, as well as basic knowledge of thermal simulation software, is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly help set candidates apart. These competencies enable effective analysis, collaboration, and design of thermal systems in real-world engineering environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Thermal Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,432 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Entry Level Manufacturing 1st/2nd Shift

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Cary, IL • On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Entry Level Manufacturing 1st/2nd Shift
Composed of Chromalox,Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical ThermalSolutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating andtemperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems,heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.
Durex Industries hasover 40 years' expertise in the thermal control business. A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa range of industry sectors, it also offers engineering, manufacturing, testingand laboratory and quality assurance services.
Durex servesbusinesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plasticsprocessing, food and packaging, aerospace, defense, and security. Itsinnovative bespoke solutions - such as retrofitting heating elements to preventoutdoor beverage dispensers from failing in low temperatures and custom-madecirculation heaters to heat fuel in large ship engines.
Join us as we continue to provide solutions to ourcustomers and the world!
Job Description:
As a Forming, Casting, and Assembly Team Member, you will play a key role in supporting our manufacturing operations by producing high-quality products in a safe and efficient environment. Responsibilities include operating production equipment, assembling components, performing forming and casting processes, inspecting finished products for quality, and following all safety and production standards. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and eager to learn while contributing to a collaborative team.