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Entry Level Thermal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer Associate

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

Perform detailed mechanical calculations , including stress analysis, thermal/fluid analysis, and ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field Required Experience: * Entry Level: ...

Salas O'Brien

Entry-level Civil Engineer

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Civil Engineer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion ... protection, thermal distribution, electrical and telecommunication infrastructure, and site ...

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Entry Level Thermal Engineer information

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

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level thermal engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Thermal Engineer job?

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 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 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.

More about Entry Level Thermal Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Thermal Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Thermal Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Thermal Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Thermal Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Thermal Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Thermal Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
System Performance and Emissions Engineer

System Performance and Emissions Engineer

Cummins Inc.

Columbus, IN

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 259 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

We are looking for a talented System Performance and Emissions Engineer to join our team specializing in Engineering in Columbus, IN. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Diagnose and resolve thermal and fluid system issues by identifying root causes and delivering data-driven corrective actions that improve product performance and reliability.
  • Own problem resolution for moderately complex components and systems, ensuring issues are fully investigated, documented, and closed with lasting solutions.
  • Leverage advanced simulation, calibration, and analysis tools (e.g., GT-Suite, Fluent, CDAT, Calterm) to generate insights that guide design improvements and decision-making.
  • Strengthen engineering execution by applying and improving core processes (PPP, PPT, VPI/VPC, ESW, FEP) to enhance quality, consistency, and speed.
  • Influence project outcomes by collaborating across teams and translating technical findings into clear recommendations for design optimization and feasibility decisions.
  • Drive project momentum through sound day-to-day decisions on testing, analysis, and stakeholder communication that keep programs on track.
  • Build team capability by coordinating technicians or junior resources and contributing to shared goals through effective collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  • Grow into a trusted technical contributor by independently executing work, improving processes, and expanding expertise in thermal and fluid sciences.
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

Additional Information:

This role is exempt and candidates must have 2+ years of experience

The Engineer will support engine testing and system performance optimization for future products, with a primary focus on emissions control systems, emissions diagnostics calibration, and test cell execution.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience in engine, energy conversion systems, or aftertreatment testing, analysis, or modeling (internships, co-ops, coursework, hands-on projects or research experience acceptable).
  • Solid foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion processes.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams and communicate technical results clearly.
  • Working knowledge or exposure to at least one of the following:
    • Simulation: GT Suite, Boost, Fluent, Converge
    • Data & Analysis: MATLAB, Excel

Compensation:

Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate on the applicable range. The final salary offer will be determined after considering relevant factors, including a candidate's qualifications and experience, where appropriate.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Build deep technical mastery in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics so you can confidently predict system behavior and guide engineering decisions.
  • Use modeling, simulation, and statistical analysis to turn complex data into clear insights that drive design improvements and validate performance.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate failure modes by understanding system interactions, ensuring strong product reliability and reduced risk.
  • Apply disciplined, data-driven problem solving to identify root causes, implement robust solutions, and prevent recurrence while protecting the customer.
  • Translate stakeholder needs into clear, traceable system requirements and manage them throughout the product lifecycle to ensure alignment and success.
  • Think in systems by understanding interactions across components, controls, and environments to optimize overall system performance-not just individual parts.
  • Execute projects effectively by planning, monitoring, and coordinating across teams while managing risk and maintaining quality expectations.
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively, make timely decisions, continuously develop your skills, and leverage diverse perspectives to drive strong results.


Education, Licenses, Certifications:

  • College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required
  • Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles.
  • This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:

  • Entry level/Early career professional.
  • Preferred candidates would have relevant experience working in either a temporary student employment environment (intern, co-op, or other extracurricular team activities) or as an early career professional in a relevant technical discipline area.
  • Knowledge of MS Office tools is also preferred

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About Cummins

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Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919

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