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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

General Motors

Chief Thermal Architect

Warren, MI · On-site

Support Systems Engineering in establishing a system-level approach and mechanizations for thermal systems. * Support benchmarking activities of other OEMs and be well-versed in the thermal ...

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Thermal Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$37.9K

$91.1K

$146K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in Michigan is $91,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $112,400.00 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
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What job categories do people searching Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Thermal Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Thermal Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Thermal Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Thermal Engineer jobs in MI? For Thermal Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,106 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Engineer - Battery Thermal Simulation

Our Next Energy Inc

Novi, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Battery Thermal Simulation Engineer will be responsible to develop, maintain, and conduct high-voltage (HV) Li-Ion battery pack-level thermal and CFD analysis, develop battery pack thermal models based on test results, and provide technical advice to internal and external customers for the design optimization of HV automotive Li-Ion battery packs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conduct battery pack thermal and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis — running simulations on battery packs, modules, and electrical subsystems, verifying design concepts, and providing assessments and recommendations to mechanical, electrical, and hardware engineers.
  • Develop and coordinate test and validation activities for verification and validation of battery cells, packs, modules, and thermal management systems, including test plan setup, test involvement, project scheduling, and result analyses.
  • Analyze cell test data and develop equivalent circuit models (ECM) and life models; apply the resulting models for module- and pack-level simulations.
  • Develop battery Simulink plant models and battery pack thermal models based on test results.
  • Conduct cell-level thermal analysis and integrate it with electrochemical simulations.
  • Provide requirements for improvements to advanced simulation activities, including CFD, thermal, structural, and multi-physics analysis.
  • Contribute to the future development of software and hardware for simulation support.
  • Interact with validation engineers to conduct root cause analysis and provide technical proposals and solutions to resolve engineering problems.
  • Participate in benchmarking activities.
  • Be solution-oriented and adept at creating contingency plans to meet deadlines and milestones.
  • Perform any additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Minimum two years of industrial or academic experience with thermal and CFD analysis.
  • Experience with the latest thermal and CFD simulation tools such as Star-CCM+ and/or Fluent.
  • Experience with MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Experience in battery ECM and life model development using MATLAB/Simulink tools.
  • Experience with battery power-performance and life analysis.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

  • Ability to differentiate and utilize both system and subsystem analysis techniques to evaluate complex interactions
  • Ability to define DOEs (design of experiments) and analyze the influence of design parameters to optimize product design for a given application
  • Prior knowledge of Battery Electric Vehicles, electrochemistry, and Li-Ion batteries and cell design is a plus
  • Proven ability to take initiative and be innovative
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision; takes a proactive role in executing assignments in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize workload based on changing needs, and manage through conflicting perspectives

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Our Next Energy Inc. (ONE) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.