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Thermal Development Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Thermal Development Engineer information

What does a thermal development engineer do?

A Thermal Development Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and improving systems that manage heat within products or processes. They work on solutions to control temperature and thermal energy, which is critical in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. Their tasks often involve using computer simulations, performing thermal testing, and collaborating with other engineers to ensure products operate safely and efficiently under various temperature conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thermal development engineer?

To thrive as a Thermal Development Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or thermal engineering, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like ANSYS, CFD software, and thermal analysis methods, as well as experience with CAD systems, is highly valued. Effective problem-solving, project management abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills help set candidates apart. These competencies enable engineers to design, analyze, and optimize thermal systems efficiently, ensuring product reliability and performance.

What are some common challenges faced by thermal development engineers in cross-functional project teams?

Thermal Development Engineers often work closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure thermal solutions meet product requirements. One common challenge is balancing thermal performance with design constraints such as limited space or strict weight requirements. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as thermal engineers must translate complex data into actionable insights for team members from different disciplines. Adapting to evolving project specifications and tight deadlines can also require strong problem-solving skills and flexibility.

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

AspectThermal Development EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Thermal, or Aerospace EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, product development teamsManufacturing, design offices, construction sites
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, HVACManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, consumer products
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Thermal Development Engineer specializes in designing and testing thermal systems, focusing on heat transfer, cooling, and thermal management. In contrast, Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on overall mechanical design, structural analysis, and manufacturing processes. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and may work in overlapping industries, Thermal Development Engineers focus specifically on thermal aspects within product development teams.

Infographic showing various Thermal Development Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Solid Propulsion Development Engineer - Hypersonics

Huntsville, AL

Leidos
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Leidos is seeking a Solid Propulsion Development Engineer to lead and oversee work on a hypersonics vehicle and other programs, joining a diverse team that develops propulsion systems for spacecraft, missile systems, and a wide range of critical technologies for civil, military, and commercial space programs. This individual will work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team, interfacing with other project teams within Leidos as well as subcontractors to develop the solid propulsion system for a hypersonic vehicle.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Serve as lead technical engineer for task focused on design and development of critical propulsion related hardware.

  • Design, build, and test prototype solid rocket motor components.

  • Understand and negotiate design elements with propulsion system suppliers.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or other STEM degree from an ABET accredited university.

  • Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion development or test engineering roles, 2 years with a Master's degree.

  • Understanding of functional performance requirements as well as component designs for solid rocket motor applications.

  • Experience in planning for and supporting ground testing of solid propulsion systems, including thermal characterization, environmental testing, and static firing.

  • Demonstrated ability to conduct trade studies and develop analysis & evaluation tools.

  • Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including manufacturing and testing policies and directives.

  • Able to clearly write clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports and present results to multi-disciplinary teams and customer stakeholders.

  • Must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area.

  • Active Secret security clearance required, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance if needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar from an ABET accredited university.

  • Development testing experience in a rapid iteration environment.

  • Experience with DoD, NASA, or other aerospace development projects.

  • Experience working with government test agencies

  • Experience with free-jet test testing, especially for solid-fuel ramjet (SFRJ) systems.

  • Experience with missile systems in a production environment.

  • Project planning and scheduling, including selection and management of multiple suppliers.

  • Active Top Secret clearance.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:September 8, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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