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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

NORTH WIND SYSTEMS LLC

Aero/Thermal Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Aero/Thermal Engineer We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Aero/Thermal Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in fluid dynamics (both compressible and ...

Minco Products

Controls Engineer

Fridley, MN

$86K - $111K/yr

Overview Minco is a global provider of thermal solutions, temperature sensing and control solutions ... Minco is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to design, develop, and optimize control systems for ...

Advanced Energy

Mechanical Engineer II

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

Support the design and analysis of thermal management solutions such as heat sinks, cold plates, and cooling systems * Create and maintain engineering documentation, drawings, and Bills of Materials ...

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All JobsThermal Engineer JobsThermal Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Thermal Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$42.6K

$102.4K

$164.1K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in Minnesota is $102,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $126,300.00 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 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.
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Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,376 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Aero/Thermal Engineer

NORTH WIND SYSTEMS LLC

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

North Wind is a leading independent supplier of complex hypersonic and Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) systems and services. Leveraging decades of specialized experience, North Wind delivers hypersonic and RDT&E capabilities through five complementary business segments: Applied R Test Articles and Critical System Components; Test Facility Design & Build; Test Services; Flight Testing & Flight Systems. The Company’s offerings span the full life cycle of aerospace & defense and commercial systems, including end-to-end turnkey solutions. Learn more at www.north-wind.com.

Aero/Thermal Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Aero/Thermal Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in fluid dynamics (both compressible and incompressible) and thermodynamics. They would be responsible for the design, development, and validation of fluid dynamic systems, components, and devices using a variety of tools and software. The Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and meet all necessary safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide design solutions, concepts, analysis, and calculations for aerodynamic, fluid dynamic, and thermodynamic systems utilized in ground test facilities
  • Support marketing quotations with trade-offs, analyses, and recommendations for optimal and cost-effective solutions
  • Perform aerodynamic field surveys of existing facilities and prepare and perform commissioning and validation activities for new or upgraded facilities and components.
  • Assist in selecting and specifying process equipment for various customer facilities.
  • Develop and present technical information in customer meetings and design reviews.
  • Willing to travel for design reviews, conferences, site surveys, and commissioning.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerodynamics, aeronautics, aeroacoustic, heat transfer or related discipline

Experience:

  • 7+ years of related experience, with a focus on aerospace, hypersonic systems, or test facility design.
  • Solid background in the principles of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding of wind tunnel low to supersonic airflows, heat exchanger, combustion, CFD, hot wire anemometry, optical measurement methods (such as shadow-graph, Schlieren, PSP, PIV, LDV) or other related technology.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
  • Must be a self-starter, able to work on multiple projects, and prioritize workload.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills and positive attitude.
  • Able to work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.