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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lynk

Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Performing thermal analyses of components and the entire system in all operational modes. * Interface with systems, harness, software, and electrical RF engineering teams to inform satellite and ...

TE Connectivity

SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

Hampton, VA · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Experience designing temperature sensors or working as thermal Engineer for high or cryogenic temperatures is a plus. * Experience working with AD&M customers including OEM for LEO satellites ...

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Thermal Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$43.1K

$103.6K

$166.1K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in Virginia is $103,631.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $127,900.00 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Thermal Engineer jobs in Virginia?

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

What job categories do people searching Thermal Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Thermal Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Thermal Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Thermal Engineer job openings:

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

Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,631 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Laser Thermal

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer
Charlottesville, VA | Full-Time | Exempt
Compensation
Hiring Range: $110,000 - $155,000 annually
This hiring range represents the anticipated starting salary for this position. Individual offers are determined based on experience, qualifications, technical expertise, and internal equity.
Who we are
Laser Thermal is pioneering the future of thermal metrology. We design and build advanced instruments that deliver fast, accurate thermal property measurements for the most demanding materials challenges, across semiconductors, aerospace, energy, and beyond.
Born from academic research and built for real-world impact, we combine optical innovation with scalable engineering to empower R&D teams and production environments alike. Our team thrives on hands-on problem-solving, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a shared belief that better data drives better design.
If you're passionate about building tools that make a measurable difference, you'll find a home here.
Visit our website to learn more about our solutions.
Your role and responsibilities
As Laser Thermal continues to expand our product portfolio and advance the capabilities of our flagship FASTR platform, we are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our multidisciplinary engineering team. In this role, you will independently lead complex mechanical design efforts while collaborating with fellow senior engineers, scientists, software engineers, electrical engineers, and manufacturing personnel to develop the next generation of thermal metrology instrumentation.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys solving challenging technical problems and seeing designs through every stage of the product lifecycle-from concept and prototyping to manufacturing, testing, and continuous product improvement. You will contribute to the evolution of existing products while helping develop innovative technologies that enable researchers and manufacturers to better understand the thermal properties of advanced materials.
As a senior individual contributor, you will provide technical expertise across multiple engineering disciplines, working closely with cross-functional teams to develop reliable, manufacturable, and high-performing electromechanical systems. You will also share your experience through design reviews, technical collaboration, and informal mentoring while continuing to grow alongside a talented team of engineers.
Because we are a growing company, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our products, engineering processes, and customer experience. If you enjoy building precision scientific instrumentation, working across disciplines, and taking ownership of challenging engineering problems, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Independently lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of complex mechanical systems supporting the FASTR product line and future product development initiatives.
  • Design precision mechanical components, assemblies, and electromechanical systems that balance performance, manufacturability, reliability, serviceability, and cost.
  • Create, maintain, and manage complex parts, assemblies, subassemblies, drawings, and engineering documentation using sound configuration and revision management practices.
  • Design sheet metal, machined, fabricated, and custom mechanical components for low-volume manufacturing and future production scalability.
  • Collaborate with research scientists, product managers, electrical engineers, software engineers, manufacturing technicians, and fellow mechanical engineers to develop integrated product solutions.
  • Work closely with fabrication partners and suppliers, including vendors such as SendCutSend and Protocase, to optimize component designs and manufacturing processes.
  • Build, assemble, test, troubleshoot, and validate prototypes and production systems, identifying opportunities to improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Design, manufacture, and troubleshoot cable assemblies, including crimping, soldering, connectorization, and electrical integration.
  • Interpret electrical schematics and collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate power distribution and electrical subsystems into mechanical designs.
  • Design mechanical systems that effectively integrate optical, pneumatic, and electrical components while understanding how mechanical decisions influence overall system performance.
  • Perform root cause investigations and implement engineering improvements to address product, manufacturing, and customer issues.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical input throughout all phases of product development.
  • Share technical expertise with teammates through collaboration, design reviews, and informal mentoring while contributing to a culture of continuous learning and engineering excellence.
  • Support low-volume manufacturing activities and engineering builds as needed, reflecting the collaborative, hands-on environment of a growing technology company.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • 8+ years of experience designing and developing complex mechanical or electromechanical products in a product development environment.
  • Experience independently leading mechanical design projects from concept through production.
  • Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, including large assemblies, subassemblies, configurations, and detailed manufacturing drawings.
  • Strong experience designing sheet metal, machined, and fabricated components.
  • Experience working directly with fabrication vendors and manufacturing partners.
  • Experience designing products for manufacturability and supporting products through prototype, testing, production, and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematics and integrate electrical hardware into mechanical systems.
  • Hands-on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and validating mechanical and electromechanical systems.
  • Experience manufacturing cable assemblies, including wiring, crimping, soldering, and connectorization.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where engineers contribute across multiple aspects of product development.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • Experience designing scientific instrumentation, analytical equipment, or other precision electromechanical products.
  • Experience designing optomechanical systems or integrating optical components into mechanical designs.
  • Familiarity with fiber optic technologies.
  • Experience with pneumatic and vacuum systems.
  • Familiarity with microcontrollers, PLCs, and embedded hardware integration.
  • Experience with rapid prototyping techniques, including CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and prototype fabrication.
  • Familiarity with IEC/CDRH laser safety requirements.
  • Familiarity with IEC 60204-1 electrical safety standards.
  • Experience working in regulated industrial, laboratory, or manufacturing environments.

What we can offer you
At Laser Thermal, we lead with Respect, Kindness, Competence, and Passion.
Here you'll have the opportunity to:
  • Build something that has never been done before
  • Grow your career as part of a dynamic startup
  • Define your professional goals and be supported in reaching them
  • Learn about cutting-edge optical metrology technologies
  • Facilitate a supportive, collaborative, and science-loving culture

Laser Thermal benefits include:
  • Health care plan (medical, dental, and vision) with FSA and HSA options
  • Retirement plan with company contribution, 401(k)
  • Basic life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability
  • Company stock option plan
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick)
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Parental leave
  • Health and wellness subsidy

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Laser Thermal Analysis, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, and or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
As a federal contractor, Laser Thermal Analysis, Inc. is required to participate in the federal government's E-Verify program. The E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with a new hire's completion of the Form I-9 in order to confirm identity and work authorization in the United States.

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