1

Senior Thermal Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, IN ยท On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer will ensuring designs meet all thermal, vibration, corrosion, impact, chemical, abrasion, and other mechanical requirements. * Performing and/or coordinating testing of ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, IN

$95K - $126K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer will ensuring designs meet all thermal, vibration, corrosion, impact, chemical, abrasion, and other mechanical requirements. * Performing and/or coordinating testing of ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane, IN Position Type: Full-Time Travel Requirements ... Experience with structural analysis, thermal analysis, materials selection, and manufacturing ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane, IN Position Type: Full-Time Travel Requirements ... Experience with structural analysis, thermal analysis, materials selection, and manufacturing ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN

$104K - $137K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane, IN Position Type: Full-Time Travel Requirements ... Experience with structural analysis, thermal analysis, materials selection, and manufacturing ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Madison, IN ยท On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Reports to: Director of Engineering Leadership Scope: Individual ... A solid understanding of EMC/EMI compliance, thermal management, environmental testing, and ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Madison, IN ยท On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Reports to: Director of Engineering Leadership Scope: Individual ... A solid understanding of EMC/EMI compliance, thermal management, environmental testing, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Thermal Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$56.6K

$120.4K

$174.6K

How much do senior thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior thermal engineer in Indiana is $120,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $136,500.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Thermal Engineer jobs in Indiana? For Senior Thermal Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Thermal Engineer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Thermal Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Senior Thermal Engineer job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,427 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering (Thermal)

L3HHCM20

Fort Wayne, IN โ€ข On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Title:ย Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Analyst)

Job Code: 38398

Job Location:ย Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule:ย 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking a Thermal Analyst for spaceborne precision optics, mirrors and cryogenic optical systems for IR payloads. This role includes completing thermal analysis of entire payloads as well as detailed module analysis and support of the thermal architecture development and supporting trade studies. This role will include leading small teams of thermal analysts in accomplishing the above assignments. The role includes thermal analysis of circuit cards and chassis with medium to high thermal density in Spaceborne applications.

Essential Functions:ย 

  • Responsible for thermal analysis of precision optics for IR payloads including optical mirrors, mirror mounts, windows, filters, focal plane mounts and telescopes for cryogenic applications.
  • Collaborate with design engineering and test engineering for the build and test of subsystems and payloads.
  • Leadership of thermal analysis teams for IR payloads and mechanical subsystems
  • Author thermal analysis sections of PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
  • Author thermal analysis sections of CDRL's and SDRL's and other compliance documents for customers.
  • Assist with schedule, cost, and technical leadership of major subsystems and payloads
  • Complete cost estimation of thermal analysis BOE's for proposals
  • Participate in risk assessment and development of mitigation strategies for complex optical payloads.
  • Collaborate across functions to minimize gaps in requirements, responsibilities and payload performance.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance
  • Up to 20% of travel may be required

Qualifications:ย 

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
  • 4+ years experience in thermal analysis and testing for space environments (temperature and vacuum)
  • Experience with thermal analysis of optical elements for optical distortion due to thermal stresses
  • Experience with leading thermal vacuum test events and fixture analysis efforts
  • Experience with Thermal Desktop (TD) thermal analysis tool
  • Experience in 3D CAD design

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience with circuit card and chassis level thermal analysis for Space
  • Experience with Creo 4or Solidworks
  • Prior IR/cryogenic optical / thermal analysis experience including STOP analysis.
  • Prior experience in developing thermal control structures and systems such as Radiators, heat pipes networks, thermal straps, cryocoolers or thermal sub-assemblies is strongly desired
  • Prior experience doing thermal analysis of optical payloads supporting the optimization of heat rejection, power consumption and low mass.

#LI-KB1