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Thermal Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Netlist

Thermal / Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$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 ...

Marvell

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Own mechanical design and CAD development of test sockets, thermal heads, pedestals, handler design ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields and 3-5 years of ...

FieldAI

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

Thermal Management: Incorporate thermal mitigation strategies such as fans, heat sinks, conductive paths, and airflow guides. * Mass & Volume Budgets: Ensure adherence to payload constraints ...

FieldAI

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

$70K - $300K/yr

Thermal Management: Incorporate thermal mitigation strategies such as fans, heat sinks, conductive paths, and airflow guides. * Mass & Volume Budgets: Ensure adherence to payload constraints ...

Neon Aerospace

Reliability Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

This role supports development programs spanning aerospace actuation systems, thermal management ... This is a hands-on engineering role focused on validating real hardware under real operating ...

Neon Aerospace

Reliability Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

This role supports development programs spanning aerospace actuation systems, thermal management ... This is a hands-on engineering role focused on validating real hardware under real operating ...

PTR Staffing

Be Seen First

Reliability Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

SUMMARY The Reliability Engineer is a high-impact technical role within the Shared Services ... Conduct detailed stress, thermal, and circuit analysis to identify potential hardware weaknesses.

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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 Jul 9, 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 are thermal engineers?

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 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 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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and certifications. High-level managerial or executive engineering roles can also reach or exceed this salary level, typically in large organizations or industries with high demand for technical expertise.

How much do thermal engineers get paid?

Thermal engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while senior roles or those requiring specialized skills can pay more. Certifications and proficiency with simulation tools like ANSYS or SolidWorks can also influence salary levels.

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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior thermal engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or energy can reach salaries of $500,000 or more. These roles often involve leadership responsibilities, complex project management, and working in high-demand environments. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual qualifications.

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 does a Thermal Engineer do?

A Thermal Engineer designs, analyzes, and tests thermal systems to manage heat transfer in products and equipment. They use tools like computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and often work with materials and cooling technologies to ensure optimal thermal performance. The role typically requires knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer principles, and relevant industry standards.
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Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,050 per year, or $52.4 per hour.
Thermal / Mechanical Engineer

Thermal / Mechanical Engineer

Netlist

Irvine, CA

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

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-generation storage-class memory solutions. We specialize in cutting-edge technologies that enable innovation in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise infrastructure. Our product portfolio includes DDR4/DDR5 DIMMs, NAND-based SSDs, and advanced interconnect technologies such as CXL and PCIe.

Join our world-class engineering team and be part of shaping the future of memory and storage architecture.

Position Summary

Netlist is looking for an exceptional Thermal/Mechanical Engineer to develop thermal solutions for memory and storage products for sale to top tier OEMs/ODMs and Hyperscalar customers.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Create mechanical and thermal models of electrical and mechanical assembles either from scratch or from PCB CAD files
  • Source or design thermal solutions for memory and storage products.
  • Run thermal simulations to verify the thermal solutions meet the specified requirements
  • For custom designs, specify all the required materials and create fabrication and assembly drawings as necessary
  • Create and implement Design of Experiments (DoEs) to evaluate thermal properties of electrical assemblies
  • Feedback concerns and suggestions to electrical team
  • Create assembly drawings which specify the assembly process
  • Work with manufacturing to ensure that assemblies are created properly

Required Qualifications:

  • BSEE or MSEE (preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field of study with 8+ years of directly related industry experience in IC Packaging Design.
  • Must have knowledge of mechanical drawing tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.)
  • Must have knowledge of thermal analysis/simulation tools (Flowtherm, Icepak, etc.))
  • Knowledge of thermal materials (IC heat sinks and heat spreaders, thermal greases and epoxies, thermal gap pads, etc.) is desirable.
  • Must possess the drive to innovate and tackle new challenges.
  • Must possess good communication skills and professionalism in representing his/her work.
  • Must have excellent problem-solving skills
  • Must have strong interpersonal skills, stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills
  • Must have the ability to assume responsibility and be proactive in taking initiative to address issues, set direction and meet commitments
  • Knowledge of memory/storage components (DDRx, LPDDRx, NAND) and modules (DIMMs, SSDs, etc.) is very desirable.
  • Physical demands for an office position with heavy computer use
  • Ability to travel (less than 10%)

Salary Range: $150,000 - 170,000

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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