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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

SUMMARY Firefly Senior Thermal Engineers provide technical leadership for spacecraft thermal analysis across multiple vehicle programs. They develop analytical approaches for complex thermal ...

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

SUMMARY Firefly Thermal Engineers apply advanced simulation and heat transfer expertise to solve complex spacecraft thermal challenges from concept development through flight operations. Engineers in ...

Actalent

Thermal Process Specialist

Janesville, WI

$31.25/hr

Strong understanding of thermal systems, thermal engineering, and thermal analysis as applied to food processing and sterilization. * Demonstrated knowledge of food safety principles related to ...

Foxconn WI

Cooling System Engineer

Mount Pleasant, WI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Cooling System Engineer Department: Oracle L10/L11 Employment Type: Full Time Location: 868 ... Perform thermal analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to evaluate airflow ...

Foxconn WI

Cooling System Engineer

Mount Pleasant, WI

$70K - $80K/yr

The Cooling System Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams--including mechanical ... Perform thermal analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to evaluate airflow ...

Trane Technologies

Lead Thermal Systems Engineer

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

As a Lead Thermal Systems Engineer , you will work as part of our Thermal Systems team and will be responsible for concept development, design and design verification of heat exchanger and fluid flow ...

Hydro-Thermal

Senior Product Engineer

Waukesha, WI · On-site

At Hydro-Thermal Corporation success is attributed to people who are committed to technical ... Overview : The Senior Product Engineer is responsible for new and existing products and ...

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Thermal Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$43.9K

$105.5K

$169.1K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in Wisconsin is $105,505.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,700.00 and $130,200.00 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.
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Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,505 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer III

Firefly Aerospace

WI • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.

SUMMARY

Firefly Senior Thermal Engineers provide technical leadership for spacecraft thermal analysis across multiple vehicle programs. They develop analytical approaches for complex thermal challenges, establish modeling strategies, mentor engineers across the organization, and influence major program decisions throughout vehicle development.

This role requires deep expertise in spacecraft thermal engineering, strong technical judgment, and the ability to independently lead multidisciplinary efforts involving analysis, testing, and vehicle design.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead thermal analyses that drive major vehicle design decisions across multiple spacecraft programs.
  • Own the architecture, validation, and long-term maintenance of integrated spacecraft thermal models.
  • Develop innovative analytical methods, workflows, and automation that improve team capability and efficiency.
  • Lead thermal trade studies involving mission environments, propulsion effects, lunar surface interactions, cryogenics, and advanced thermal control technologies.
  • Define thermal analysis strategies supporting conceptual design through flight.
  • Organize and lead testing, including vehicle-level thermal vacuum testing.
  • Serve as the point of contact for the thermal control subsystem during launch operations.
  • Lead model validation efforts using thermal vacuum, qualification, acceptance, and flight data.
  • Mentor and technically review work performed by thermal engineers across multiple experience levels.
  • Represent Thermal Engineering during customer reviews and major program design reviews.
  • Provide technical leadership during anomaly investigations and rapid-response engineering efforts.
  • Influence organizational best practices, analytical standards, and long-term capability development.
  • Support hiring, technical interviews, and development of the thermal engineering team.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
  • Approximately 8–15+ years of spacecraft thermal analysis experience
  • Expert knowledge of spacecraft heat transfer and thermal control systems
  • Extensive experience with Thermal Desktop and industry-standard thermal analysis software
  • Demonstrated success leading thermal analyses through design, testing, and flight
  • Experience with instrumentation and testing thermal hardware
  • Experience correlating analytical models using environmental and flight data
  • Excellent technical leadership and communication skills
  • Proven ability to independently scope, execute, defend, and communicate complex analyses
  • M.S. or Ph.D.
  • Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or commercial spacecraft programs
  • Experience developing new thermal analysis methodologies or software automation
  • Familiarity with thermal standards (e.g., GSFC-STD-7001B, SMC-S-016, RCC-319, Spacecraft Payload requirements)
  • Experience organizing and executing thermal vacuum tests
  • Experience with advanced spacecraft thermal control technologies, lunar environments, plume heating, and mission-specific thermal phenomena
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