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Thermal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Starcloud

Head of Thermal Engineering

Redmond, WA

$200K - $250K/yr

We're a small team of exceptional engineers, backed by leading investors, building in person in Redmond, WA. The role You'll own the thermal architecture, design, analysis, testing, and flight ...

Starcloud

Head of Thermal Engineering

Redmond, WA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

We're a small team of exceptional engineers, backed by leading investors, building in person in Redmond, WA. The role You'll own the thermal architecture, design, analysis, testing, and flight ...

Super Micro Computer

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$109K - $117K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundational background in thermal engineering principles and a desire to grow in chassis/rack design for enterprise electronics. This role will be based in our ...

Super Micro Computer

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$133K - $150K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundational background in thermal engineering principles and a desire to grow in chassis/rack design for enterprise electronics. This role will be based in our ...

NextHop AI

Thermal Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with emphasis in heat transfer (B.S. required, M.S. preferred). * 10+ years of experience in thermal design; 5+ years of experience designing ...

NextHop AI

Thermal Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with emphasis in heat transfer (B.S. required, M.S. preferred). * 10+ years of experience in thermal design; 5+ years of experience designing ...

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All JobsThermal Engineering Jobs

Thermal Engineering information

See salary details

$43.5K

$104.5K

$167.5K

How much do thermal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal engineering 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 $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What is thermal engineering?

Thermal engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the study, design, and management of systems and processes involving heat transfer and energy conversion. Thermal engineers work on technologies such as heating and cooling systems, engines, power plants, and thermal management in electronics. Their work helps improve energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability in various industries including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and HVAC. They apply principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to solve real-world engineering challenges.

How do thermal engineers typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines on large-scale projects?

Thermal engineers often work closely with mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers to ensure that thermal systems integrate smoothly into broader project designs. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings, sharing simulation data, and coordinating design changes to optimize energy efficiency and safety. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as thermal engineers must align their solutions with structural limitations, electrical requirements, and overall system goals. This cross-functional interaction not only enhances project outcomes but also provides valuable opportunities for professional growth and knowledge sharing.

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. Familiarity with simulation tools such as ANSYS, MATLAB, and CAD software, as well as relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary teams and complex projects. These competencies ensure accurate system designs, efficient thermal solutions, and successful project outcomes in industries ranging from aerospace to electronics.

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 certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced technical skills, management responsibilities, or work in high-demand industries.

What is the difference between Thermal Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectThermal EngineeringMechanical Engineering
FocusHeat transfer, thermodynamics, HVAC systems, energy systemsDesign, analysis, manufacturing of mechanical systems, machinery, and tools
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in Mechanical or Thermal EngineeringBachelor's or master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, energy sectorsFactories, design firms, R&D departments
Industry UsagePower plants, HVAC, aerospace, automotiveAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, robotics

Thermal Engineering specializes in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and energy systems, while Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of mechanical design and manufacturing. Both fields share similar credentials and work environments but differ in their specific focus areas and industry applications.

What does a Thermal Engineer do?

A Thermal Engineer designs, analyzes, and tests systems to manage heat transfer and temperature control in various applications such as engines, HVAC systems, and electronics. They use tools like computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and often require knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer principles, and materials science. Their work ensures systems operate efficiently and safely under specified conditions.

Are thermal engineers in demand?

Thermal engineers are in demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy due to the need for efficient heat management and system performance. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies focus on sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, often requiring skills in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and relevant simulation tools.
More about Thermal Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Thermal Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Thermal Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Thermal Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Thermal Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Thermal Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Thermal Engineering jobs are:
Thermal Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,528 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Head of Thermal Engineering

Starcloud

Redmond, WA

$200K - $250K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Who we are

Starcloud is building data centers in space. By moving compute into orbit, we tap nearly unlimited solar power and radiate heat straight into the cold of space, escaping the energy and cooling limits that constrain data centers on Earth. We launched our first spacecraft last year and have three more flying over the next 18 months, each a different architecture, giving us an unusually fast design-build-test-fly loop. We're a small team of exceptional engineers, backed by leading investors, building in person in Redmond, WA.

The role

You'll own the thermal architecture, design, analysis, testing, and flight execution of the thermal control systems that keep our space-based data centers alive. It's a hands-on leadership role: deep individual technical contribution plus building and leading the thermal engineering team. The scale here is closer to automotive and data center cooling than to standard spacecraft thermal design, so expect to pursue novel concepts, test them fast on the ground, and validate them in orbit.

What you'll do
  • Own the thermal architecture: active and passive thermal control across the spacecraft.
  • Design the active loop: cold plates, coolant loops, pumps, heat exchangers, thermal interfaces, insulation, heaters, and large lightweight deployable radiators.
  • Lead the hard trades: performance, mass, cost, reliability, manufacturability, schedule, and operational constraints.
  • Push novel concepts: prototype rapidly, test on the ground, validate in orbit.
  • Model and correlate: build and correlate thermal models for spacecraft, payloads, and subsystems against real test and flight data.
  • Deliver flight hardware end to end: concept through manufacturing, integration, test, qualification, and launch, improving across successive spacecraft.
  • Build the team: hire, manage, and mentor the thermal engineering team, and set the standards, review practices, and verification workflows.
What we're looking for
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years of hands-on thermal engineering: design, analysis, hardware development, and test.
  • Strong command of thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop, Ansys, or equivalent.
  • Experience with active thermal control in a demanding environment: space, power, automotive, data center, food/manufacturing, or petroleum.
  • Comfortable managing engineers while staying deeply hands-on.
Nice to have
  • Experience formally leading a thermal engineering team.
  • High-power thermal systems: pumped fluid loops, large radiators, industrial heat exchangers, data center cooling, power-plant systems, automotive thermal, refrigeration, or petroleum process systems.
  • Experience leading development from architecture through qualification and production or flight.
Eligibility

This role requires access to information controlled under U.S. export laws. Candidates must be a U.S. person (citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) under ITAR/EAR.

Compensation and benefits

Annual salary: $200,000 - $250,000 USD

Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including stock options, discretionary bonuses, medical, vision, dental, 401(k) with company match, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Don't quite fit?

If this isn't an exact match but you're exceptional at what you do, tell us what you'd own and why Starcloud, and apply anyway.

Apply