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Thermal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LHH US

Lead Thermal Engineer

Moriarty, NM

$120K - $170K/yr

Lead Thermal Engineer Status: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Up to 50% travel to Moriarty, NM About the Opportunity LHH is partnering with a cutting-edge aerospace organization developing next ...

New

Phihong USA Corp

Thermal Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$102K - $110K/yr

Work with product engineer to optimize the thermal solution and go through qualification process to transfer the product into mass production. * Investigate failures through physical testing of our ...

LaBine and Associates

Thermal Engineer

Hawthorne, NJ · On-site

As a Thermal Engineer, you will drive the detailed thermal design of our spacecraft at the component and integrated level. You'll develop our thermal management strategies, prove them through ...

Baltimore Aircoil Company

Thermal Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

POSITION PURPOSE Baltimore Aircoil Company is seeking a Thermal Engineer as a key member of the globally responsible Thermal Modeling Group This engineer is charged with developing thermal models for ...

Impulse Space

Thermal Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Thermal Engineer Department: Vehicle Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Reporting To: Seth Kovnat, Director of Vehicle Engineering Compensation: $95,000 - $115,000 / year ...

Vast

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Vast is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to define the thermal architecture and own thermal analysis for a new constellation-ready 15kW spacecraft bus - a product line designed to scale to hundreds ...

Starcloud

Thermal Engineer

Redmond, WA

As a Thermal Engineer at Starcloud, you will be instrumental in designing and developing thermal control systems for our space-based data centers. This hands-on role requires a highly innovative and ...

AST SpaceMobile

OR · On-site

Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Thermal Engineer to support the thermal performance and integrity of a cutting-edge space-based communications system. This role will focus on ...

Arieca

Thermal Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Thermal Engineer - Full Time Job Opportunity Who We Are: Arieca is leading the commercialization of easy to deploy liquid metal embedded elastomer (LMEE) technologies, which enable unprecedented ...

Samsung Semiconductor

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$138K - $206K/yr

We are currently seeking a Thermal Engineer. The position will be responsible for the thermal analysis and validation of thermal technologies for Samsung advanced semiconductor products. The ideal ...

Samsung Semiconductor

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$138K - $206K/yr

We are currently seeking a Thermal Engineer. The position will be responsible for the thermal analysis and validation of thermal technologies for Samsung advanced semiconductor products. The ideal ...

Apple

Thermal Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The Apple Thermal team is seeking a world-class Thermal Engineer to play a key role in the Definition and Design of Apple products. The primary responsibility of this role will be to ensure that ...

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Thermal Engineer information

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$43.5K

$104.5K

$167.5K

How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineer in the United States is $104,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

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.

How much do thermal engineers get paid?

Thermal engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, or electronics. Salaries can also vary based on the complexity of projects and the size of the employer.

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-level engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain specialized software or systems engineers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often with experience, advanced skills, and sometimes bonuses or stock options. These positions typically require extensive expertise, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities within high-paying industries or companies.

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 do you do as a Thermal Engineer?

A Thermal Engineer designs and analyzes systems to manage heat transfer and temperature regulation in products and equipment. They use tools like computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and conduct testing to ensure thermal performance and safety. The role often requires knowledge of thermodynamics, materials, and industry standards, with tasks including system modeling, troubleshooting, and optimization.
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Thermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $104,528 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Lead Thermal Engineer

LHH US

Moriarty, NM

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Job description

Lead Thermal Engineer
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Up to 50% travel to Moriarty, NM
About the Opportunity
LHH is partnering with a cutting-edge aerospace organization developing next-generation, high-altitude platforms used for communications, imaging, and remote-sensing applications. These platforms operate in extreme stratospheric environments and support a range of commercial, environmental, and defense missions.
We are seeking a Lead Thermal Engineer with demonstrated, hands-on experience designing, analyzing, and validating thermal systems for advanced aerospace vehicles. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in fast-paced R&D environments and who brings proven expertise supporting thermal decisions that directly impact mission performance and system reliability.
About the Role
As the Lead Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for developing thermal strategies and ensuring the reliable performance of avionics, structures, payloads, and propulsion-adjacent systems operating at high altitudes. This position requires strong applied thermal engineering experience, sound technical judgment, and the ability to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines.
You will serve as a trusted technical advisor, driving thermal control system development and supporting hardware throughout design, test, integration, and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, analyze, and optimize active and passive thermal control systems for high-altitude aerospace platforms
  • Perform steady-state and transient thermal analyses using analytical and numerical approaches
  • Develop, validate, and maintain thermal models to predict system behavior under stratospheric and mission-specific conditions
  • Conduct trade studies and support material selections for insulation, coatings, radiators, and thermal interface materials
  • Define thermal requirements, operating limits, and margins for avionics, batteries, payloads, and structural components
  • Support environmental testing including thermal vacuum, altitude simulation, and temperature cycling
  • Evaluate test data, correlate with thermal models, and recommend design refinements
  • Partner with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering leaders to resolve thermal challenges
  • Prepare detailed documentation covering design analyses, test reports, and compliance with engineering standards
  • Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field
  • 5-10 years of hands-on experience in thermal analysis and thermal system design for aerospace or high-altitude flight vehicles
  • Practical experience supporting thermal management for drones, UAS, HAPS, or similar platforms
  • Proven ability to independently own thermal analyses and provide sound recommendations to engineering leadership
  • Strong applied understanding of conduction, convection, and radiation in low-density/high-altitude environments
  • Experience developing and correlating thermal models with tools such as ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, COMSOL, or similar
  • Experience supporting hardware through design, test, integration, and operational readiness (not only theoretical/academic work)
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, R&D-driven aerospace environment
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • Direct experience with stratospheric platforms, long-duration unmanned systems, or high-altitude vehicles
  • Hands-on experience with thermal vacuum testing or environmental qualification campaigns
  • Knowledge of lightweight structures, composites, or advanced aerospace materials
  • Experience supporting flight-critical, mission-critical, or certified hardware
What We Offer
  • The hiring organization provides an exceptional work environment built around innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being:
  • Onsite chef-prepared lunches
  • Snacks and refreshments available throughout the day
  • Access to wellness amenities including gym facilities, pickleball court, and outdoor dog area
  • Dog-friendly workplace
  • Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, disability) with generous employer contributions
  • 401(k) with company match
  • A high-performance culture where your work directly shapes the future of aerospace technology
Pay Details: $120,000.00 to $170,000.00 per year
Search managed by: Megan McQuay
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.