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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

ADDiTEC

R&D Controls Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

You'll work at the intersection of laser physics, thermal control, CNC/PLC programming, and real-time systems. The role involves designing control architectures that coordinate sensors and actuators ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Vacuum, thermal, refrigeration, or pressure vessel equipment Why You'll Love This Role * Own complete systems--not just individual components * High visibility with customers and engineering ...

Videndum

Embedded Firmware Engineer III

Cary, NC

$101K - $138K/yr

Conduct battery lifecycle, thermal, and load testing. * Develop Python tools for: * Test automation * Data collection * Calibration * Engineering analysis Product Support * Support firmware releases ...

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All JobsThermal Engineer JobsThermal Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Thermal Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$42.3K

$101.6K

$162.8K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in Raleigh, NC is $101,610.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $125,400.00 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 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Thermal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Thermal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Thermal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Thermal Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Thermal Engineer job openings:

Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,610 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer

Baker Thermal Solutions, LLC

Clayton, NC • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:

Baker Thermal Solutions is seeking a highly capable Manufacturing Engineer to serve as the critical link between Engineering and Operations. This position is responsible for improving manufacturability, establishing efficient production processes, maintaining accurate manufacturing data, and driving continuous improvement throughout the organization.

The Manufacturing Engineer ensures products are designed and released with manufacturing success in mind by evaluating engineering drawings, CAD models, Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, labor standards, and production methods. The role collaborates closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Purchasing, Quality, and Service teams to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity while supporting Baker Thermal Solutions' commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.


Requirements:

Essential Duties/Principal Responsibilities:

Design for Manufacturability (DFM):

  • Review engineering drawings and 2D/3D CAD models prior to release to identify manufacturing risks, cost drivers, and process challenges.
  • Recommend design improvements that simplify fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, and inspection activities while preserving safety, quality, and performance requirements.
  • Support standardization initiatives including hardware, materials, tolerances, manufacturing methods, tooling, and fixtures.
  • Ensure component designs align with factory capabilities, tooling limitations, fabrication standards, bend radii, inspection capabilities, and quality requirements.
  • Participate in design reviews and engineering change processes to improve manufacturability and value.

Manufacturing Process Development:

  • Develop and maintain manufacturing routings, Bills of Material (BOMs), labor standards, and work instructions.
  • Resource and tool assignment: Assign specific machinery, work centers, and necessary fixtures or jigs to each step within the production router.
  • Establish standard setup and run times to support capacity planning, scheduling, cost estimating, and labor performance management.
  • Maintain accurate ERP manufacturing data to support planning, purchasing, scheduling, costing, and shop-floor execution activities.
  • Conduct make-versus-buy analyses based on cost, capacity, lead time, complexity, quality, and strategic considerations.
  • Analyze production workflows to identify bottlenecks, waste, inefficiencies, rework, scrap, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Take a highly manual process and help find and develop solutions to automate the administrative paperwork.

Minimum Qualifications: Education, Experience, Skills, License/Certification:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment supporting fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly operations.
  • Experience with production routing development, labor standards, BOM management, work instructions, and ERP (Infor XA preferred) systems required.
  • Strong knowledge of CNC machining, welding and fabrication, laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, mechanical assembly, manufacturing workflows, and material flow.
  • Ability to interpret and troubleshoot 2D engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
  • Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor or similar CAD software preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, with a strong emphasis on Excel for data analysis, reporting, pivot tables, formulas, and manufacturing metrics.
  • Ability to effectively communicate manufacturing issues with a focus on solutions rather than simply identifying problems.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and levels of the organization.