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 ...
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 ...
Thermal Engineer II
El Segundo, CA · On-site
As a Thermal Engineer II you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification testing to ...
Thermal Engineer II
El Segundo, CA · On-site
As a Thermal Engineer II you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification testing to ...
Thermal Engineer
Roseville, CA · On-site
Thermal Engineer This role has been designed as ''Onsite' with an expectation that you will primarily work from an HPE office. Who We Are: Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud ...
Thermal Engineer
Roseville, CA · On-site
Thermal Engineer This role has been designed as ''Onsite' with an expectation that you will primarily work from an HPE office. Who We Are: Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud ...
Thermal Engineer
Redmond, WA · On-site
Hi , We have an urgent opening for the position of Thermal Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Duration: Full Time Customer: Microsoft (HCL America) Keywords: ICEPAK, Flotherm XT, Thermal Modeling ...
Thermal Engineer
Redmond, WA · On-site
Hi , We have an urgent opening for the position of Thermal Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Duration: Full Time Customer: Microsoft (HCL America) Keywords: ICEPAK, Flotherm XT, Thermal Modeling ...
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
Denver, CO · On-site
$120K - $160K/yr
As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the thermal engineering activities related to spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing, launch, and operations. Your activity may include the ...
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Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
Denver, CO · On-site
$120K - $160K/yr
As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the thermal engineering activities related to spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing, launch, and operations. Your activity may include the ...
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
Reston, VA · On-site
Provide thermal engineering support to other engineering teams as needed. * Travel up to 15% may be required between Umbra facilities in California and Northern Virginia, as well as to partner and ...
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Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
Reston, VA · On-site
Provide thermal engineering support to other engineering teams as needed. * Travel up to 15% may be required between Umbra facilities in California and Northern Virginia, as well as to partner and ...
Thermal Engineer (HH)
Houston, TX · On-site
Thermal Engineer - Server R&D Team We are seeking a highly skilled Thermal Engineer specializing in thermal management design for server and rack products. This role involves developing thermal ...
Thermal Engineer (HH)
Houston, TX · On-site
Thermal Engineer - Server R&D Team We are seeking a highly skilled Thermal Engineer specializing in thermal management design for server and rack products. This role involves developing thermal ...
Thermal Engineer
Roseville, CA · On-site
Thermal Engineer This role has been designed as ''Onsite' with an expectation that you will primarily work from an HPE office. Who We Are: Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud ...
Thermal Engineer
Roseville, CA · On-site
Thermal Engineer This role has been designed as ''Onsite' with an expectation that you will primarily work from an HPE office. Who We Are: Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud ...
Sr Thermal Engineer
$142K - $213K/yr
Title: Sr Thermal Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. But we at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers ...
Sr Thermal Engineer
$142K - $213K/yr
Title: Sr Thermal Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. But we at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers ...
Thermal Analysis Engineer
Fremont, CA · Hybrid
Our mechanical engineering team is agile and has grown rapidly, and we are looking for a talented thermal engineer to join us at our Fremont, CA facility, in a hybrid capacity. We are responsible for ...
Thermal Analysis Engineer
Fremont, CA · Hybrid
Our mechanical engineering team is agile and has grown rapidly, and we are looking for a talented thermal engineer to join us at our Fremont, CA facility, in a hybrid capacity. We are responsible for ...
As a Thermal Engineer II you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification testing to ...
As a Thermal Engineer II you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification testing to ...
Thermal Engineer
Huntington Beach, CA · On-site
$110K - $195K/yr
Design, analyze, and optimize thermal management systems for Mach's vehicles from system to ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field; a Master ...
Thermal Engineer
Huntington Beach, CA · On-site
$110K - $195K/yr
Design, analyze, and optimize thermal management systems for Mach's vehicles from system to ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field; a Master ...
As a Thermal Engineer II you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification testing to ...
As a Thermal Engineer II you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification testing to ...
The Thermal Control Department is a team of experienced, trusted engineers with deep expertise in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control systems from component to system level. The ...
The Thermal Control Department is a team of experienced, trusted engineers with deep expertise in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control systems from component to system level. The ...
Providing thermal engineering support and sustaining engineering of spacecraft, payloads, satellites, vehicles, and technology development projects. * Performing engineering studies in heat transfer ...
Providing thermal engineering support and sustaining engineering of spacecraft, payloads, satellites, vehicles, and technology development projects. * Performing engineering studies in heat transfer ...
Thermal Engineer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
Providing thermal engineering support and sustaining engineering of spacecraft, payloads, satellites, vehicles, and technology development projects. * Performing engineering studies in heat transfer ...
Thermal Engineer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
Providing thermal engineering support and sustaining engineering of spacecraft, payloads, satellites, vehicles, and technology development projects. * Performing engineering studies in heat transfer ...
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
Denver, CO · On-site
$135K - $170K/yr
As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the thermal engineering activities related to spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing, launch, and operations. Your activity may include the ...
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
Denver, CO · On-site
$135K - $170K/yr
As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the thermal engineering activities related to spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing, launch, and operations. Your activity may include the ...
Thermal Engineer
Austin, TX · Hybrid
... engineering teams to align thermal strategies. • Own thermal design, modeling (CFD), test, and debug for mobile & desktop [GR1.1]platforms, drive design decisions and trade-offs. • Develop and ...
Thermal Engineer
Austin, TX · Hybrid
... engineering teams to align thermal strategies. • Own thermal design, modeling (CFD), test, and debug for mobile & desktop [GR1.1]platforms, drive design decisions and trade-offs. • Develop and ...
Description As a Thermal Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for thermal management of spacecraft from concept, analysis, and design, to implementation, testing, and flight while working ...
Quick apply
Description As a Thermal Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for thermal management of spacecraft from concept, analysis, and design, to implementation, testing, and flight while working ...
Thermal Engineer
Redmond, WA · On-site
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 ...
Thermal Engineer
Redmond, WA · On-site
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 ...
Thermal Engineer information
See salary details
$43.5K - $54.8K
6% of jobs
$54.8K - $66K
1% of jobs
$66K - $77.3K
5% of jobs
$82.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$77.3K - $88.6K
25% of jobs
The median wage is $95.4K / yr.
$88.6K - $99.9K
20% of jobs
$99.9K - $111.1K
11% of jobs
$111.1K - $122.4K
5% of jobs
$123.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$122.4K - $133.7K
14% of jobs
$133.7K - $145K
5% of jobs
$145K - $156.2K
1% of jobs
$156.2K - $167.5K
5% of jobs
$43.5K
$104.5K
$167.5K
How much do thermal engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 11, 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?
| Aspect | Thermal Engineer | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Mechanical Engineering, or Thermodynamics | Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field |
| Work Environment | Designing thermal systems, heat transfer analysis, HVAC, aerospace, electronics cooling | Designing mechanical systems, structural components, manufacturing processes |
| Industry Usage | Electronics, aerospace, HVAC, energy systems | Automotive, 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.
More about Thermal Engineer jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Thermal Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Thermal Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Thermal Engineer jobs? The top employers for Thermal Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Thermal Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Thermal Engineer jobs include:
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Apple rating
8.1
Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
6th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
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, from initial concept to design fruition, all thermal objectives are met or surpassed in order to optimize the user experience of Apple customers.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the fundamental physics associated with heat and fluid flow and the ability to apply this understanding to complex design problems. A high-level of modeling expertise is required, as is the ability to effectively convey key conclusions through illustrative post processing. The ability to clearly communicate technically complex material within cross-functional design teams is a must, as is the ability to thrive in a fast paced work environment.
BS in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Heat Transfer or Fluid Mechanics5+ years deep technical and functional expertise in: conduction, convection (passive and active), and radiationNumerical modeling techniques and concepts (convergence, discretization, and meshing)Strong communication skills
M.S. or Ph.D. (preferred) in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Heat Transfer or Fluid MechanicsA thorough understanding of: Heat sinks, Heat pipes and vapor chambers, fans, blowers, and nontraditional air movers, aero-acousticsCAD and CFD tools (NX, Ansys, StarCCM)Optimization techniquesScripting languages (perl, tcl, etc.)MATLAB, C++, R, JMP or equivalent toolkit for data analysisFlow and thermal measurement techniquesManufacturing processes (for heatsink for example)The ability to think creatively and devise novel solutions to complex, multi-discipline design problemsPersistent attention to detailThe ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the fundamental physics associated with heat and fluid flow and the ability to apply this understanding to complex design problems. A high-level of modeling expertise is required, as is the ability to effectively convey key conclusions through illustrative post processing. The ability to clearly communicate technically complex material within cross-functional design teams is a must, as is the ability to thrive in a fast paced work environment.
BS in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Heat Transfer or Fluid Mechanics5+ years deep technical and functional expertise in: conduction, convection (passive and active), and radiationNumerical modeling techniques and concepts (convergence, discretization, and meshing)Strong communication skills
M.S. or Ph.D. (preferred) in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Heat Transfer or Fluid MechanicsA thorough understanding of: Heat sinks, Heat pipes and vapor chambers, fans, blowers, and nontraditional air movers, aero-acousticsCAD and CFD tools (NX, Ansys, StarCCM)Optimization techniquesScripting languages (perl, tcl, etc.)MATLAB, C++, R, JMP or equivalent toolkit for data analysisFlow and thermal measurement techniquesManufacturing processes (for heatsink for example)The ability to think creatively and devise novel solutions to complex, multi-discipline design problemsPersistent attention to detailThe ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976