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Heat Transfer Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Staff Simulation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The engineer will own the simulation workflow from concept modeling through prototype correlation ... Develop and validate multi-physics models, such as conjugate heat transfer (CHT) and, where needed ...

Koch Industries

Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Thermal

Lisle, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The engineer will own the detailed design of cold plates, active module integration geometry, and ... Strong foundation in heat transfer (conduction, forced convection, radiation, and two-phase heat ...

Protingent

Thermal Structural Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$85 - $215/hr

Conduct heat transfer, thermal stress, fluid mechanics, and mechanical performance evaluations for reactor components and complex systems. * Develop and execute engineering analyses using advanced ...

New

Hunter Foundry

Mechanical Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Knowledge of heat transfer, thermal analysis, cooling systems, heat exchangers, ventilation systems ... Mechanical Engineer Location: Schaumburg, IL ( Moving to Bensenville IL in few months ) Company:

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All JobsHeat Transfer Engineer JobsHeat Transfer Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Heat Transfer Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$99.1K

$173.2K

How much do heat transfer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for heat transfer engineer in Chicago, IL is $99,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heat transfer engineer?

A Heat Transfer Engineer is a specialized engineer who focuses on the study, design, and optimization of thermal systems. They analyze heat exchange in various applications, such as HVAC systems, power plants, and industrial processes, to improve energy efficiency and performance. Their work involves using simulation software, conducting experiments, and developing innovative solutions for temperature control and heat dissipation.

What does a heat transfer engineer do?

Heat Transfer Engineers often work on the design, analysis, and optimization of thermal systems such as heat exchangers, HVAC units, or cooling components in various industries. Their daily activities may include running thermal simulations, preparing technical reports, collaborating with project teams, and troubleshooting heat-related issues in existing systems. They also regularly participate in meetings to coordinate with design engineers, manufacturing teams, and clients, ensuring that solutions are practical and meet industry standards. This hands-on and collaborative nature of the role provides Engineers with continuous opportunities for learning and skill development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heat transfer engineer?

To thrive as a Heat Transfer Engineer, you need a solid background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer principles, typically supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software such as ANSYS or COMSOL, as well as CAD tools, is highly valuable, and professional engineering licensure can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important for interfacing with multidisciplinary teams and presenting technical findings. These competencies are crucial to designing efficient thermal systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring projects meet safety and performance standards.

How much do heat transfer engineers make?

Heat transfer engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in thermodynamics and computational modeling can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Heat Transfer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Heat Transfer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heat Transfer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Heat Transfer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Heat Transfer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heat Transfer Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,004 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Staff Simulation Engineer

Koch Industries

Lisle, IL • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead CFD and thermal-fluid simulation of active cold plate designs, including laminar and turbulence modeling, and fluid dynamic behavior at the chip interface

  • Develop and validate multi-physics models, such as conjugate heat transfer (CHT) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI), correlating predicted thermal and hydraulic performance to prototype test data

  • Collaborate with mechanical, mechatronics, and PCB design engineers to translate simulation results into actionable design changes

Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Your Job
As part of Molex's strategic investment in CAEPlus and the ongoing development of next-generation AI data center thermal management solutions, this position will operate in a unique collaboration model between the two organizations. While employed by Molex and receiving all Molex employment benefits, the successful candidate will work closely with the CAEPlus team and focus primarily on advancing CAEPlus technologies, products, and innovation initiatives. This role offers the entrepreneurial environment of a growing technology venture combined with the resources, stability, and engineering expertise of a global industry leader.
This role leads thermal-fluid and multi-physics simulation for the BoundaryCool™ active cooling platform, driving design decisions across cold plate geometry, fluid dynamics, and the active cooling actuation system. The engineer will own the simulation workflow from concept modeling through prototype correlation; using CFD, conjugate heat transfer (CHT), and FEA to predict and optimize fluid dynamics behavior, thermal performance, and mechanical integrity. Working directly with the CAEPlus founder and Mechanical Engineer team, this individual will translate simulation insight into design guidance that shortens development cycles and de-risks the path from concept to validated hardware.
What You Will Do
  • Lead CFD and thermal-fluid simulation of active cold plate designs, including laminar and turbulence modeling, and fluid dynamic behavior at the chip interface
  • Develop and validate multi-physics models, such as conjugate heat transfer (CHT) and, where needed, fluid-structure interaction (FSI), correlating predicted thermal and hydraulic performance to prototype test data
  • Collaborate with mechanical, mechatronics, and PCB design engineers to translate simulation results into actionable design changes
  • Perform structural and thermal FEA on cold plate assemblies, housing, and active actuation system components
  • Simulate potential leakage pathways and failure modes in cold plate and manifold assemblies across the overall cooling system
  • Support design of experiments (DOE) for prototype validation testing correlated against simulation predictions
  • Own simulation toolchain setup, meshing strategy, and solver configuration for complex internal cold plate geometries
  • Support the invention disclosure and patent process by generating simulation data, figures, and technical substantiation
  • Develop 1D system-level simulation models, reduced-order models or empirical correlations to accelerate design iteration
  • Support customer-facing technical presentations with simulation-backed performance data

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
  • 7+ years of experience in CFD, FEA, conjugate heat transfer (CHT), and multi-physics simulation
  • Proficiency with commercial CFD tools (Ansys Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+, or equivalent)
  • Proficiency with FEA tools (Ansys Mechanical, Abaqus, or equivalent)
  • Experience simulating liquid cooling hardware: cold plates, manifolds, heat exchangers
  • Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and thermal-hydraulic system design
  • Demonstrated experience correlating simulation results to physical test data

What Will Put You Ahead
  • MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related field
  • Experience with advanced meshing techniques (dynamic meshing, adaptive meshing, etc.) for dynamic models, such as rotating machinery or pumps
  • Experience with two-phase flow or boiling heat transfer simulation
  • Familiarity with Open Compute Project (OCP) thermal standards
  • Experience developing 1D system-level simulation models, reduced-order models, or surrogate models for rapid design iteration
  • Python or MATLAB scripting for simulation automation and post-processing
  • Experience supporting patent disclosures with simulation-based technical evidence

For this role, we anticipate paying $100,000 - $130,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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