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Postdoc In Thermal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with emphasis in heat transfer (B.S. required, M.S. preferred). * 10+ years of experience in thermal design; 5+ years of experience designing ...

A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with emphasis in heat transfer (B.S. required, M.S. preferred). * 10+ years of experience in thermal design; 5+ years of experience designing ...

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundational background in thermal engineering principles and a desire to grow in chassis/rack design for enterprise electronics. This role will be based in our ...

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$109K - $117K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundational background in thermal engineering principles and a desire to grow in chassis/rack design for enterprise electronics. This role will be based in our ...

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$109K - $117K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundational background in thermal engineering principles and a desire to grow in chassis/rack design for enterprise electronics. This role will be based in our ...

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$133K - $150K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundational background in thermal engineering principles and a desire to grow in chassis/rack design for enterprise electronics. This role will be based in our ...

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundational background in thermal engineering principles and a desire to grow in chassis/rack design for enterprise electronics. This role will be based in our ...

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundational background in thermal engineering principles and a desire to grow in chassis/rack design for enterprise electronics. This role will be based in our ...

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering. A Ph.D. is a plus. * At least 5 years of experience in thermal design for servers and racks ...

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Postdoc In Thermal Engineering information

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$43.5K

$104.5K

$167.5K

How much do postdoc in thermal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc in thermal engineering in the United States is $104,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Postdoc In Thermal Engineering vs Postdoc In Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPostdoc In Thermal EngineeringPostdoc In Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsPhD in Thermal Engineering or related fieldPhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, industry R&DResearch labs, universities, industry R&D
Industry UsageFocus on heat transfer, thermodynamics, energy systemsBroader focus including mechanics, materials, and thermal systems
Search & Comparison IntentThermal engineering research, energy systemsMechanical systems, engineering research

Postdoc In Thermal Engineering and Postdoc In Mechanical Engineering share similar credentials and work environments. However, Thermal Engineering focuses specifically on heat transfer, thermodynamics, and energy systems, while Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of topics including mechanics and materials. Your choice depends on your specialization and research interests within engineering fields.

What opportunities for collaboration typically exist for a Postdoc in Thermal Engineering within academic and industry settings?

Postdocs in Thermal Engineering often collaborate closely with faculty members, graduate students, and cross-disciplinary research teams to advance experimental or computational projects. In academic settings, they may co-author papers, mentor students, and participate in grant writing with other researchers. Industry collaborations are also common, especially on applied research projects or when using specialized equipment, offering valuable networking and potential career advancement opportunities. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for success in these collaborative environments.

What is a Postdoc in Thermal Engineering?

A Postdoc in Thermal Engineering is a researcher who has completed their Ph.D. and is engaged in advanced research related to heat transfer, thermodynamics, and energy systems. Postdocs typically work at universities, research institutes, or industry labs, contributing to scientific projects, publishing papers, and sometimes mentoring students. Their work often involves experimental, computational, or theoretical approaches to improve the understanding and application of thermal processes. These positions are usually temporary, lasting from one to several years, and help researchers gain further experience before pursuing permanent academic or industry roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoc in Thermal Engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoc in Thermal Engineering, you need a PhD in mechanical engineering or a related field, with expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. Proficiency in simulation software such as ANSYS, COMSOL, or MATLAB, as well as experience with experimental setups, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in research collaboration and disseminating findings. These competencies are crucial for advancing innovative thermal solutions, publishing impactful research, and contributing to interdisciplinary projects.
Infographic showing various Postdoc In Thermal Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,528 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Thermal Engineer

NextHop AI

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Nexthop Systems Inc. is on the lookout for a passionate and innovative thermal engineer to spearhead the design and implementation of advanced thermal management systems. This role is critical in ensuring the efficient performance of high-power next-generation networking systems tailored for cutting-edge AI infrastructures.
What You'll Do
  • Design and develop thermal solutions, including heatsinks, cold plates, liquid cooling loops, and other innovative cooling systems.
  • Lead and execute thermal modeling and simulations using industry-standard tools to optimize performance.
  • Conduct thorough thermal testing and validation to ensure designs meet rigorous operational requirements.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate thermal designs seamlessly into broader system architectures.
  • Build and manage strong technical relationships with suppliers, ensuring high-quality thermal solutions.
  • Proactively troubleshoot and resolve thermal challenges to maintain system reliability.
  • Stay ahead of the curve by keeping up with emerging technologies, trends, and industry standards in thermal engineering.

What You Bring Technical Expertise
  • A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with emphasis in heat transfer (B.S. required, M.S. preferred).
  • 10+ years of experience in thermal design; 5+ years of experience designing thermal components and systems for data center network equipment, preferred.
  • Proficiency in thermal modeling tools such as Flotherm, Flotherm-XT, and/or IcePak.
  • Experience and deep working knowledge of data center air cooling technologies, practices, and strategies:
    • Vapor chambers, heat pipes, and other phase change devices
    • Various heat sink types and design parameters
    • High performance fans and their selection/operating parameters
    • Thermal interface materials and their selection/design parameters
    • Environmental requirements
    • Rack mounted ITE design constraints
  • Experience with designing liquid cooling components/loops desired, but not required.
  • Deep knowledge of heat transfer principles and their application in real-world scenarios.

Soft Skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle complex thermal challenges.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, to work effectively with diverse teams and suppliers.
  • A proactive mindset with a passion for staying current on advancements in thermal technologies and AI infrastructure needs.

Why Join Nexthop Systems?
At Nexthop, you'll work at the forefront of innovation, designing thermal solutions that empower the AI systems driving tomorrow's breakthroughs. Your contributions will directly impact how AI and networking systems perform, ensuring they meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.
**Are you ready to take the lead in thermal engineering for next-generation AI infrastructure?** Apply now and shape the future with us!