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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Design and develop thermal systems components such as heat exchangers and cooling systems. Create ... Support design reviews and implement engineering changes. Work closely with cross-functional teams ...

Staff Thermal Analysis Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Master's degree in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering (or equivalent) with 6-8+ years or PhD in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering (or equivalent) * 4-6+ years of relevant industry experience in ...

Master's degree in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering (or equivalent) with 6-8+ years or PhD in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering (or equivalent) * 4-6+ years of relevant industry experience in ...

Master's degree in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering (or equivalent) with 6-8+ years or PhD in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering (or equivalent) * 4-6+ years of relevant industry experience in ...

Role Summary As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will be the subject matter expert driving the complete lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes, from initial target setting through final ...

Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$154K - $192K/yr

Role Summary As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in underhood thermal performance and integration. You will own front-end airflow requirements ...

Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$154K - $192K/yr

Role Summary As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in underhood thermal performance and integration. You will own front-end airflow requirements ...

Role Summary As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will be the subject matter expert driving the complete lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes, from initial target setting through final ...

Aerothermal Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Calculate pressure, heat flux, and aero buffet/vibration loads for thermal and structures teams ... Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in chemistry, physics, structures, materials ...

Thermal/Mechanical Engineer Location: California Reports To: Vice President, Systems Engineering Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000 Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Thermal/Mechanical Engineer ...

Thermal/Mechanical Engineer Location: California Reports To: Vice President, Systems Engineering Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000 Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Thermal/Mechanical Engineer ...

Thermal Protection System Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Own and drive material trade studies that balance thermal survivability, structural integrity, and ... Hands-on experience as a design engineer taking hardware from concept to manufacturing (CAD, ...

Thermal/Mechanical Engineer Location: California Reports To: Vice President, Systems Engineering Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000 Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Thermal/Mechanical Engineer ...

Aerothermal Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Calculate pressure, heat flux, and aero buffet/vibration loads for thermal and structures teams ... Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in chemistry, physics, structures, materials ...

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Thermal Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$45.4K

$109K

$174.7K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in Riverside, CA is $109,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $134,600.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Thermal Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Thermal Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Thermal Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Thermal Engineer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Thermal Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,050 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Thermal Engineer

Purple Hires Inc

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Design and develop thermal systems components such as heat exchangers and cooling systems.

Create 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, assemblies, and Bills of Materials (BOM).

Support design reviews and implement engineering changes.

Work closely with cross-functional teams to support product development.

Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or Siemens NX

Bachelor / Master's degree in Mechanical or Industrial or Aerospace Engineering.