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Senior Thermal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Muon Space

Senior Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$183K - $198K/yr

About the role Muon Space is hiring a Senior Thermal Engineer to own instrument-level thermal engineering across missions (SBEM, Quickbeam, Hydrosat) - models, hardware, and verification end-to-end ...

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 ...

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 · On-site

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 ...

Muon Space

Senior Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$183K - $198K/yr

About the role Muon Space is hiring a Senior Thermal Engineer to own instrument-level thermal engineering across missions (SBEM, Quickbeam, Hydrosat) - models, hardware, and verification end-to-end ...

Socket.dev

Senior Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$183 - $198/hr

About the role Muon Space is hiring a Senior Thermal Engineer to own instrument-level thermal engineering across missions (SBEM, Quickbeam, Hydrosat) -- models, hardware, and verification end-to-end ...

Mainstream Engineering

Senior Thermal Engineer

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$92K - $127K/yr

Position Summary Mainstream Engineering is looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer to develop advanced thermal management technologies for military, government, and commercial applications. This is an ...

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 ...

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 ...

Mainstream Engineering

Senior Thermal Engineer

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$92K - $127K/yr

Position SummaryMainstream Engineering is looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer to develop advanced thermal management technologies for military, government, and commercial applications. This is an R ...

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 ...

Mainstream Engineering

Senior Thermal Engineer

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$92K - $127K/yr

Position Summary Mainstream Engineering is looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer to develop advanced thermal management technologies for military, government, and commercial applications. This is an ...

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Senior Thermal Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 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 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.

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.

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:

What states have the most Senior Thermal Engineer jobs?

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Senior Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Thermal Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Thermal Engineer

Muon Space

San Jose, CA • On-site

$183K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the role

Muon Space is hiring a Senior Thermal Engineer to own instrument-level thermal engineering across missions (SBEM, Quickbeam, Hydrosat) - models, hardware, and verification end-to-end - while contributing to spacecraft-level thermal balance. You'll be a recognized technical voice who works across disciplines to land elegant, well-balanced designs. 

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities
  • Own instrument thermal models and drive instrument NRE and per-mission-block design improvements.
  • Own the thermal V&V test plan, including model correlation, for instruments.
  • Own thermal hardware ICDs (heat straps, radiators) and performance requirements.
  • Contribute to full-spacecraft thermal balance and system thermal model integration.
  • Support system-level testing and define thermal limits and margins to other subsystems.
  • Mentor junior thermal engineers and serve as the technical go-to for instrument thermal.
Required Qualifications
  • 8+ years (BS+8 / MS+6) in spacecraft or aerospace thermal engineering.
  • Expert in thermal simulation and full-spacecraft thermal balance.
  • Experience designing, executing, and correlating TVAC and unit-level thermal tests.
  • Fluency across thermal-mechanical interfaces (ICDs, margins, requirements flow-down).
  • B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, Physics, or a related field.
Nice-to-have
  • Scripting in Python or Matlab.
  • Systems-engineering experience.
  • Experience with IR-imaging systems or spacecraft payloads.
Salary

The salary range for this role is $183,000 - $198,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. 

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