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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Rendezvous Robotics

Thermal Engineer

Golden, CO

$140K - $170K/yr

The Role We are looking for a Mid to Senior Level Thermal Engineer to fully own the design and analysis of thermal management systems for our self-assembling tiles and spacecraft. You will own the ...

Isys Technologies

Thermal Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

I2X Technologies is seeking a Thermal Engineer to support ongoing activities for a customer in Boulder, Colorado. This position will be fully on-site and will require an active Top Secret clearance.

Rendezvous Robotics

Thermal Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

The Role We are looking for a Mid to Senior Level Thermal Engineer to fully own the design and analysis of thermal management systems for our self-assembling tiles and spacecraft. You will own the ...

EnduroSat

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the thermal engineering activities related to spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing, launch, and operations. Your activity may include the ...

Isys Technologies

Thermal Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

I2X Technologies is seeking a Thermal Engineer to support ongoing activities for a customer in Boulder, Colorado. This position will be fully on-site and will require an active Top Secret clearance.

Rendezvous Robotics

Thermal Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

The Role We are looking for a Mid to Senior Level Thermal Engineer to fully own the design and analysis of thermal management systems for our self-assembling tiles and spacecraft. You will own the ...

EnduroSat

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the thermal engineering activities related to spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing, launch, and operations. Your activity may include the ...

Isys Technologies

Thermal Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

I2X Technologies is seeking a Thermal Engineer to support ongoing activities for a customer in Boulder, Colorado. This position will be fully on-site and will require an active Top Secret clearance.

Isys Technologies

Thermal Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

I2X Technologies is seeking a Thermal Engineer to support ongoing activities for a customer in Boulder, Colorado. This position will be fully on-site and will require an active Top Secret clearance.

True Anomaly

Thermal Engineer (II or III)

Denver, CO · On-site

$85K - $135K/yr

YOUR MISSION True Anomaly is looking for a creative Thermal Engineer to develop new spacecraft. In this role you will be work with a multi-disciplinary product team to rapidly develop and produce new ...

Spectra Logic

Contract - Sr. Thermal Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

About the Role We're looking for an experienced Mechanical or Thermal Engineer to join our team on a short-term contract focused on designing and validating a dedicated cooling system for datacenter ...

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All JobsThermal Engineer JobsThermal Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Thermal Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$45.7K

$109.9K

$176.1K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in Colorado is $109,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $135,600.00 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 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 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. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while senior roles or specialized fields can pay over $120,000. Certifications and proficiency with simulation tools like ANSYS can influence salary levels.

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 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 role of a thermal engineer?

A thermal engineer designs and analyzes systems to manage heat transfer and temperature regulation in products and processes. They use principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, often utilizing simulation tools like CFD software, to ensure components operate within safe temperature ranges and improve energy efficiency.
More about Thermal Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
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What job categories do people searching Thermal Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Thermal Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Thermal Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Thermal Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Thermal Engineer jobs in CO? For Thermal Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,913 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Thermal Engineer with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions, LLC

Boulder, CO • On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Thermal Engineer to support a federal program located in Boulder, CO. The Thermal Engineer will provide thermal design and analysis for spacecraft, aerospace electro-mechanical systems, opto-mechanical flight hardware, cryogenic systems, antenna communications systems, tactical systems, and ground support equipment. This role supports system development from concept through detailed design, integration, testing, and deployment. This role is only open to those with a TS/SCI clearance. Responsibilities of the Thermal Engineer include: · Perform thermal design and analysis of spacecraft, flight hardware, cryogenic systems, antenna communication systems, and ground support equipment. · Calculate heat transfer coefficients, temperature distributions, and heat flow for steady-state and transient thermal conditions. · Develop thermal loads, environments, and analytical models for spacecraft and associated hardware. · Support thermal environmental testing in both air and vacuum environments. · Generate detailed technical reports documenting thermal analyses and test results. · Review engineering drawings, procedures, and engineering orders for accuracy, compatibility, and manufacturability. · Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to provide thermal engineering expertise throughout system development. Qualifications for the Thermal Engineer include: · Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience. · Active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for SCI access. · Experience with thermal design and analysis of spacecraft, aerospace hardware, cryogenic systems, antenna systems, or related technologies. · Working knowledge of thermal, radiation, and convection principles. · Experience using Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Mechanical, CFD, and/or SINDA thermal analysis tools. · Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software platforms. · Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with government stakeholders and engineering teams. Compensation for the Thermal Engineer includes: · Salary Range: $180,000 - $220,000 based on experience · Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Maternity Leave, Military Reserve Pay Offset Keywords Thermal Engineer, Spacecraft Thermal Analysis, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Mechanical, SINDA, CFD, Heat Transfer, Thermal Modeling, Space Systems Engineering, Cryogenic Systems, Aerospace Engineering, Flight Hardware, Thermal Vacuum Testing, Radiation Analysis, Convection Analysis, SolidWorks, Ground Support Equipment, Space Force, Top Secret Clearance, SCI Eligible, Boulder CO, Satellite Systems, Thermal Design, Environmental Testing, National Security Space Programs. #LI-KG1 #LI-ONSITE

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