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Senior Thermal Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Thermal DRE

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Role Summary The role of Sr. Thermal Engineer is to interface internally with Body, Studio, Packaging, Attributes, NVH, Aerodynamics, CAE, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, working with Tier 1's on design ...

Sr. Thermal DRE

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Role Summary The role of Sr. Thermal Engineer is to interface internally with Body, Studio, Packaging, Attributes, NVH, Aerodynamics, CAE, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, working with Tier 1's on design ...

The Role The VTM1D Thermal VDDV Engineer is responsible for the execution of 1D thermal system ... learn from senior subjectmatter experts. Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

The Role The VTM-1D Thermal VDDV Engineer is responsible for the execution of 1D thermal system ... learn from senior subject-matter experts. Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Senior Photonics Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Rydberg Technologies is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Photonics Engineer to lead ... and thermal engineers to integrate photonic systems into complete atomic and quantum platforms.

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Thermal Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$51.9K

$110.3K

$159.9K

How much do senior thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior thermal engineer in Michigan is $110,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $125,100.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Senior Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Senior Thermal Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Senior Thermal Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Thermal Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,306 per year, or $53 per hour.

Sr. Thermal DRE

Rivian

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 19 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 160 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 45 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
The role of Sr. Thermal Engineer is to interface internally with Body, Studio, Packaging, Attributes, NVH, Aerodynamics, CAE, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, working with Tier 1's on design and manufacturing thermal components for mass production release. Components specifically supported in this role HVAC, ORFM, AGS. The position will be on site based in Plymouth Michigan.
Responsibilities
• Design and release of mass production thermal system components, HVAC modules, HVAC Air intake ducts, ORFM (Outside heat-exchanger, Radiator Fan module), brackets
• Interface with Body, Studio, Packaging, Attributes, NVH, Aerodynamics, and CAE engineering to ensure optimal design and integration for aerodynamic and range efficiency; b) Support supply chain with engineering requirements throughout quotation and sourcing; c) Interface with suppliers on design, release, tooling, and validation; d) Support critical program milestones and build events, e.g. Virtual Release, Virtual Build, Design Verification Build, Manufacturing Verification Build, etc
• Engineering Specification, Design Verification, & Production Verification plans for thermal components for future vehicles
• Develop/Review foundation documents as required, including risk assessment/management, DFMEA, PFMEA, and Functional Safety
• Interface with Plant Quality Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, General Assembly and ensure all Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly standards are met
Qualifications
• Minimum BSME degree in mechanical/automotive engineering
• 5+ years of experience related to Thermal component design, release, and production launch, maintenance: cost reduction/quality improvement
• OEM/Tier 1 experience on Thermal components (HVACs/Ducts/heat-exchangers)
• Proficiency in CAD for design and release; CATIA V6 preferred
• Knowledge on thermal, mechanical, NVH, durability, corrosion, and electrical requirements for Thermal components and refrigerant cycle
• Experience on at least one full product cycle from concept creation to mass production
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with peers and leadership
• Ability to work independently and proactively in fast-paced environment
• Experience on heat pump technology and development required
• Experience with Future refrigerants and secondary loop systems (R290, Blends) a strong plus
• Ability to work with hands on experience is a plus
• Travel will be required occasionally to suppliers (International included), Our manufacturing plant in Normal Illinois, and headquarters in Irvine California
Pay Disclosure
Salary Range Michigan-Based Applicants: $98,500-$123,100 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy and Technology
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.
AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.
Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009