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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

CANOPY A&D

Aerothermal Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

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

Canopy A&D

Thermal Protection System Engineer

Irvine, CA · 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, ...

Canopy A&D

Aerothermal Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

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

Canopy A&D

Aerothermal Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

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

CANOPY A&D

Thermal Protection System Engineer

Irvine, CA · 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, ...

Canopy A&D

Aerothermal Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

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

Netlist

Thermal / Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Thermal/Mechanical Engineer Reports To: Vice President, Systems Engineering Company Overview: Netlist Inc. (NASDAQ: NLST) is a leading provider of high-performance modular memory subsystems and next ...

Netlist

Thermal / Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Thermal/Mechanical Engineer Reports To: Vice President, Systems Engineering Company Overview: Netlist Inc. (NASDAQ: NLST) is a leading provider of high-performance modular memory subsystems and next ...

Netlist

Thermal / Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Thermal/Mechanical Engineer Reports To: Vice President, Systems Engineering Company Overview: Netlist Inc. (NASDAQ: NLST) is a leading provider of high-performance modular memory subsystems and next ...

Rivian

Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer

Irvine, CA · 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 ...

Eldorado CA

Engineer II, Thermal Systems

Riverside, CA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Engineer II, Thermal Systems Location: Riverside, CA Salary Range: $85,000 - $115,000 Position Summary Responsible for assisting with the design, development, implementation, and analysis of various ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsThermal Engineer JobsThermal Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

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.
More about Thermal Engineer jobs

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:

Thermal Engineer jobs near you
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.

Aerothermal Engineer

CANOPY A&D

Irvine, CA • On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense
Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D's advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.
Role Overview:
In this role on the Canopy engineering team, you will join the aerothermal team and working with external customers to refine TPS requirements through modeling and simulation. You will work closely with both the TPS design and manufacturing teams to develop effective TPS solutions for Canopy's customers with platforms across space and hypersonics. You will join a small core team with combined experience managing nuclear weapons systems, starting companies, creating new materials, and flying things to space. To be successful in this role, you must be self-motivated, thrive in ambiguity, and be able to lead your own projects to completion.
Key Responsibilities
  • Engage with external customers to complete trade studies considering aerothermal environment and TPS material response
  • Assess ablation and heat transfer for TPS stackups at different levels of fidelity
  • Create, mesh, run, and post process computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models
  • Responsible for all external and internal flow field simulations
  • Calculate pressure, heat flux, and aero buffet/vibration loads for thermal and structures teams
  • Participate in the research and development process for new reentry vehicles
  • Collaborate cross functionally with design, development, and test groups
  • Develop test plans for experimental test campaigns to validate simulation results
  • Lead the review of post-flight data and compare the data to pre-flight estimates
  • Contribute to the development of proposals and new products that enhance the organization's technical capabilities and support strategic growth objectives

Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver on tight schedules using scrappy and creative solutions
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in chemistry, physics, structures, materials science, and thermodynamics
  • Experience of the entire program lifecycle of a spacecraft, from initial concept to mission success
  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant technical field with 2+ years of experience performing vehicle-level CFD, preferably applied to launch vehicles and/or reentry systems
  • Direct experience with thermal analysis and heat transfer simulations
  • Experience with thermal protection system sizing & analysis using standard tools like FIAT, CHAR, CBAero, TPSSizer, MINIVER, and/or LAURA
  • Familiarity with Python and industry-standard CFD tools like FUN3D, Star-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, or other equivalent applicable tools

Preferred Qualifications
  • Exposure to aerothermal wind tunnel and flight testing and instrumentation
  • Familiarity with typical spacecraft thermal control technologies (e.g. heat pipes, pumped fluid systems, thermal blankets, optical coatings, etc.)
  • Program management leadership experience
  • Experience performing detailed thermal analysis in programs such as ANSYS static and transient thermal (or equivalent).
  • Understanding of TPS manufacturing and integration principles, especially as they related to design for manufacturability/assembly
  • Ability to contribute to engineering proposals, driving the conceptualization, trade studies, and technical writing for advanced TPS designs and materials.
  • Familiarity with space and defense standards such as but not limited to SMS-S-016, MIL-STD-810, NASA-GSFC-7000 series or other industry equivalent standards for design, analysis, and testing of defense articles or launch vehicles
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain one based on eligibility. This includes meeting background check and other requirements, as required for access to controlled defense-related information and facilities

Additional Requirements
  • Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English
  • Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use
  • Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email
  • Abilityto use a computer to complete assignments
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearance

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed.
Job Details
Type: Full Time, Exempt (Salaried)
Salary range: $90,000 to $140,000
Reports to: President, Canopy Technologies
Base Location: Littleton, CO onsite M-F or Irvine, CA onsite M-F
Travel: <20% of the time
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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