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Senior Thermal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Sr Thermal Engineer

Greenbelt, MD

$142K - $213K/yr

Title: Sr Thermal Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. But we at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers ...

KBR, Inc.

Sr Thermal Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

Title: Sr Thermal Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. But we at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers ...

AST SpaceMobile

OR · On-site

Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Thermal Engineer to support the thermal performance and integrity of a cutting-edge space-based communications system. This role will focus on ...

IGNITE

SENIOR THERMAL ENGINEER

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Job Title SENIOR THERMAL ENGINEER Location Huntsville, AL 35806 US (Primary) Category Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Experienced (Non-Manager) Education Bachelor's Degree Security ...

Vast

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Vast is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to define the thermal architecture and own thermal analysis for a new constellation-ready 15kW spacecraft bus - a product line designed to scale to hundreds ...

Marmon

Senior Thermal Engineer

Moscow, TN

$94K - $129K/yr

Senior Thermal Engineer Coilmaster | HPT Who We Are Coilmaster|HPT is an industry leader in advanced heat transfer solutions serving HVAC, refrigeration, and industrial markets. We are committed to ...

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Senior Thermal Engineer

Moscow, TN · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Senior Thermal Engineer Coilmaster | HPT Who We Are Coilmaster|HPT is an industry leader in advanced heat transfer solutions serving HVAC, refrigeration, and industrial markets. We are committed to ...

Raytheon

Senior Thermal Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$111K - $152K/yr

As the Senior Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification ...

Raytheon Technologies

Senior Thermal Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

As the Senior Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification ...

Arista Networks

Senior Thermal Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$300K - $655K/yr

Who You'll Work With Arista seeks to add a Senior Thermal Engineer to address thermal engineering design challenges of high-end switching products in Santa Clara, California. This position reports to ...

Raytheon

Senior Thermal Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$111K - $152K/yr

As the Senior Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification ...

Arista Networks

Senior Thermal Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$300K - $655K/yr

Who You'll Work With Arista seeks to add a Senior Thermal Engineer to address thermal engineering design challenges of high-end switching products in Santa Clara, California. This position reports to ...

Vast

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$147K - $209K/yr

Vast is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to define the thermal architecture and own thermal analysis for a new constellation-ready 15kW spacecraft bus - a product line designed to scale to hundreds ...

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Senior Thermal Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior thermal engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Thermal Engineer do?

A Senior Thermal Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing thermal management systems in products or processes. They use advanced simulation tools and engineering principles to ensure components operate within safe temperature ranges, often in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Their role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve complex heat transfer challenges, improve energy efficiency, and support product development from concept to production. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers and contribute to research and development efforts.

What is the difference between Senior Thermal Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSenior Thermal EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Mechanical Engineering, or Thermodynamics; certifications like ASME or HVAC licensesBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; similar certifications often applicable
Work EnvironmentDesigning thermal systems, heat transfer analysis, HVAC, aerospace, or energy sectorsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing across various industries including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, energy companies, HVAC providers, aerospaceManufacturers, consulting firms, product design companies, industrial sectors

While both roles require a background in mechanical engineering, Senior Thermal Engineers specialize in heat transfer, thermal system design, and energy efficiency, often within specialized sectors like aerospace or energy. Mechanical Engineers have broader responsibilities across various mechanical systems. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments but differ in focus and expertise.

What are the typical challenges a Senior Thermal Engineer faces when collaborating with cross-functional teams on new product development?

Senior Thermal Engineers often work closely with mechanical, electrical, and design teams to ensure thermal management solutions align with overall product requirements. A common challenge is balancing thermal performance with constraints such as size, weight, cost, and manufacturability. Effective communication and early involvement in the design process are key to addressing potential issues before they become costly or difficult to resolve. Additionally, integrating feedback from testing and simulations into collaborative workflows is essential for optimizing solutions and meeting project deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Thermal Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Thermal Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, advanced knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer, and several years of relevant experience. Proficiency in simulation tools like ANSYS, FloTHERM, and CAD software, as well as familiarity with relevant industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and complex projects. These competencies are critical for designing effective thermal solutions, ensuring system reliability, and driving innovation in high-performance environments.
More about Senior Thermal Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Thermal Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior 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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Senior Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Thermal Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Sr Thermal Engineer

Sr Thermal Engineer

KBR

Greenbelt, MD

$142K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 369 rated engineering

Job description

Title:

Sr Thermal Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

But we at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers.

Overview
This fulltime Senior Thermal Engineer role supports sustaining engineering excellence on the MIST II or NRL contract. The candidate will apply established engineering standards and techniques to provide spacecraft and instrumentlevel thermal design, modeling, and analysis for ground and onorbit environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide guidance and direction in developing and maintaining project schedules.

  • Serve as an expert advisor in shaping the technical approach to engineering challenges.

  • Perform instrumentlevel and spacecraftlevel thermal design, modeling, and analysis for ground and onorbit environments.

  • Collaborate with Thermal Group team members to ensure that GSFC or NRL project requirements are met.

  • Participate in internal KBR peer reviews for employees and projects requiring engineering oversight prior to customer presentation.

  • Identify key needs within the GSFC Thermal Engineering Branch and work with Branch Management to ensure necessary skills and support are provided.

  • Attend peer reviews and provide engineering consultation services as required.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the aerospace industry with specific expertise in thermal/fluid systems.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead the development of thermal models for spacecraft, payloads, and instruments.

  • Experience providing thermal design, modeling, and testing-including thermal vacuum chamber testing-for spacecraft and instruments.

  • Proven technical team leadership experience and participation in spacecraft project reviews.

  • Proficiency using Thermal Desktop, with strong familiarity in applying the tool to modeling and analysis.

Additional Skills / Tools

  • Thermal Desktop

  • SINDA

  • TSS

Experience and/or Education in lieu of these qualifications will be reviewed for applicability to meet these requirements.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • On-Site work performed at GSPC Greenbelt, MD location.

Basic Compensation:

$142,300.00 - $213,400.00

The offered rate will be based on contract affordability and the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits

#LI-EM2

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

What KBR employees say

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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