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Thermal Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Thermal Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Apple Thermal team is looking for a Thermal Engineer to contribute to the design and definition of Apple products. This role focuses on ensuring that thermal objectives are met throughout the ...

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 ...

Socket.dev

Thermal Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Role As a Thermal Engineer you will design, analyze, implement and demonstrate thermal management solutions for our space-based power and compute platform. This role will focus on developing ...

New

Next Matter

Senior Thermal Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Senior Thermal Engineer As a Senior Thermal Engineer at Castelion, you will own the thermal engineering methodology across our missile systems. You will define thermal architectures, develop high ...

Industrious Ventures

Thermal Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$75 - $125/hr

Space Kinetic is looking for a Thermal Engineer to assist with thermal analysis, hardware design, hardware acquisition, and test within the simulation group of the Mechanical Engineering department.

Apple

Thermal Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The Apple Thermal team is seeking a world-class Thermal Engineer to play a key role in the definition and design of Apple products. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure that from initial ...

Blue Origin LLC

Thermal Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

As a Thermal Engineer at Blue Origin, you will be at the forefront of developing thermal management systems for our advanced space vehicles. You will be responsible for the analysis, design, and ...

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$145K/yr

You are passionate about thermal engineering and advanced electronics cooling technologies. You have a strong foundation in heat transfer fundamentals and enjoy solving challenging thermal problems ...

Apple

Thermal Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Apple Thermal Design team is seeking a thermal engineer to work on the next-generation of Mac systems. From the lightweight and portable MacBook Air to the powerful Mac Studio, our products ...

Muon Space

Thermal Engineer II

San Jose, CA

$144K - $177K/yr

About the role Muon Space is hiring a Thermal Engineer II to own the thermal design and analysis of spacecraft assemblies and subsystems - from hand calcs and models through TVAC test support. You'll ...

Blue Origin

Thermal Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

As a Thermal Engineer at Blue Origin, you will be at the forefront of developing thermal management systems for our advanced space vehicles. You will be responsible for the analysis, design, and ...

Super Micro Computer

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Supermicro Computer is seeking a skilled and experienced candidate to take on the responsibilities of Thermal Engineer. The position will be responsible for the thermal architecture, design, analysis ...

Socket.dev

Senior Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsThermal Engineer JobsThermal Engineer Jobs in California

Thermal Engineer information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$103.2K

$165.3K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in California is $103,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a thermal engineer?

Thermal engineers are professionals who specialize in the study and application of heat transfer and thermodynamics. They design, analyze, and optimize systems and components that involve heating or cooling processes, such as HVAC systems, engines, electronics, and power plants. Their work is essential in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy, where managing temperature is critical for performance and safety. Thermal engineers use advanced simulation tools and mathematical models to solve complex heat-related challenges and improve energy efficiency.

What does a thermal engineer do?

As a thermal engineer, you maintain, create, or repair mechanical systems that involve a heat transfer process into other forms of energy. You analyze how mechanical heat sources interact with different physical and industrial systems. You test various components of heat transfer within a system, which sometimes involves chemical fluids and gas. You may work with large or small-scale heating or cooling equipment, from industrial heaters to airplane engines. Other duties and responsibilities require you to work in locations in need of heat or cooling mitigation, such as a power plant or landfill. Aerospace companies, public utilities, and other industrial firms hire thermal engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thermal engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Thermal Engineer, you need a solid background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a degree in mechanical or thermal engineering. Proficiency with simulation and modeling tools such as ANSYS, MATLAB, and CFD software, as well as familiarity with industry standards, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in the field. These skills are crucial for designing efficient thermal systems, troubleshooting performance issues, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet project goals.

What are some common challenges thermal engineers face when designing cooling systems for electronic devices?

Thermal Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing heat dissipation in increasingly compact and high-powered electronic devices, where space for cooling solutions is limited. Balancing performance, efficiency, and cost while ensuring reliability requires careful selection of materials and innovative thermal management techniques. They must also collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate thermal solutions without compromising overall device functionality. Adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and staying updated on industry standards is essential for long-term success in this role.

What is the difference between Thermal Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectThermal EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Mechanical Engineering, or ThermodynamicsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesigning thermal systems, heat transfer analysis, HVAC, aerospace, electronics coolingDesigning mechanical systems, structural components, manufacturing processes
Industry UsageElectronics, aerospace, HVAC, energy systemsAutomotive, manufacturing, robotics, aerospace

Thermal Engineers specialize in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and thermal system design, often working on electronics cooling and energy systems. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, covering mechanical design, structural analysis, and manufacturing. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Thermal Engineers focus more on thermal aspects within various industries, whereas Mechanical Engineers handle a wider range of mechanical systems.

How much do thermal engineers get paid?

Thermal engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in heat transfer analysis or CFD software can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and professional development opportunities.

Is thermal engineering in demand?

Thermal engineering is in demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing, where thermal management and heat transfer are critical. The role often requires knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer analysis, and simulation tools, with job growth driven by advancements in technology and sustainable energy solutions.
More about Thermal Engineer jobs

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

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Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,159 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Thermal Engineer

Socket.dev

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Apple Thermal team is looking for a Thermal Engineer to contribute to the design and definition of Apple products. This role focuses on ensuring that thermal objectives are met throughout the product development process to enhance user experience. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of heat and fluid dynamics and will be skilled in numerical modeling. Effective communication and collaboration within cross‑functional teams are essential for success in this fast‑paced environment.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Heat Transfer or Fluid Mechanics, 5+ years of deep technical and functional expertise in conduction, convection, and radiation.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Heat Transfer or Fluid Mechanics is preferred.
  • Thorough understanding of heat sinks, heat pipes, fans, and aero‑acoustics.
  • Experience with CAD and CFD tools such as NX, Ansys, and StarCCM.
  • Familiarity with optimization techniques and scripting languages like Perl and Tcl.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, C++, R, JMP or equivalent toolkit for data analysis.
  • Knowledge of flow and thermal measurement techniques.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes related to heatsinks.
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