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Senior Thermal Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cummings-Aerospace-

Sr. Thermal Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Sr. Thermal Engineer Full Time Arlington ...

Framatome

Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$88 - $95/hr

The Engineer is responsible for thermal-hydraulics analyses for operating plants, as well as ... of senior staff. * Independently evaluate, select and apply standard technical techniques ...

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Senior Thermal Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$125.5K

$181.9K

How much do senior thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior thermal engineer in Virginia is $125,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $142,300.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Thermal Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,471 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Sr. Thermal Engineer

Cummings-Aerospace-

Arlington, VA • On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Sr. Thermal Engineer

Full Time Arlington Virginia, Arlington, VA, US

8 days ago Requisition ID: 1466

Overview

The Senior Thermal Engineer position is a full-time exempt position. The individual will perform thermal system design, analysis, hardware development, integration and validation for a hypersonic vehicle. The individual will report to the Program Manager.

Responsibilities

  • Support the development of thermal system designs of components, subsystems and systems compliant with flight vehicle and component requirements.
  • Perform component thru system-level thermal analysis of flight hardware to support hardware design verification and system performance analysis.
  • Assess thermal environments for all phases of flight to include; manufacturing and assembly, ground processing, pre-launch processing, launch and post-launch.
  • Support the design, development, integration and documentation of thermal analysis to establish system design and verification requirements.
  • Document and present analysis results to Program Management, IPT Leads, Quality Assurance representatives and customers.
  • Interface across program IPTs to ensure the integration of design and analysis assumptions and work products.
  • Lead and/or support the definition of work products and schedules, and preparation of technical products and reports.
  • Ensure corporate policies and procedures are adhered to in daily performance of duties.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

  • BS degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry is required, MS degree preferred.
  • At least 10 years of thermal analysis experience with DoD missile system and/or weapon system components and subsystems is highly desired.
  • Familiarity with thermal modeling tools such as Thermal Desktop, TRASYS, SINDA, Fluint, NASTRAN, etc.
  • Candidate must be able to develop and execute work products on time and with minimal supervision.
  • Candidate must be able to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
  • Candidate should demonstrate effective time management and communication skills.

Clearance

Location: Arlington, VA

Cummings Aerospace provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Cummings Aerospace complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Cummings Aerospace expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Cummings Aerospace’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

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