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Thermal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline * 6+ years of spacecraft or aerospace thermal engineering experience * Spacecraft thermal control ...

KBR

Sr Thermal Engineer

Greenbelt, MD

$142K - $213K/yr

The candidate will apply established engineering standards and techniques to provide spacecraft and instrumentlevel thermal design, modeling, and analysis for ground and onorbit environments. Key ...

Foxconn Assembly LLC

Thermal Engineer (HH)

Houston, TX · On-site

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering. A Ph.D. is a plus. * At least 5 years of experience in thermal design for servers and racks ...

Phihong USA Corp

Thermal Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$102K - $110K/yr

Thermal testing engineering in manufacturing environment. * HVAC refrigeration systems in an automotive or similar industry. * Air flow characterization (pressure drop measurement and air flow ...

SCEYE INC

Thermal Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

Collaborate with systems engineering to ensure thermal performance aligns with power, reliability, and mission requirements. * Contribute to failure analysis, root cause investigations, and ...

Baltimore Aircoil Company

Thermal Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

NATURE & SCOPE Reports to the Global Engineering Manager, Thermal Modeling Group. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Develop thermal performance models, prediction software tools, and rating programs.

Raytheon

Thermal Engineer II

El Segundo, CA

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering ... As a Thermal Engineer II you will be responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products ...

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Thermal Engineering information

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$43.5K

$104.5K

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How much do thermal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership or managerial responsibilities.

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.

What do thermal engineers do?

Thermal engineers design, analyze, and optimize systems involving heat transfer, such as heating, cooling, and ventilation in various industries. They use tools like computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and thermodynamics principles to improve energy efficiency and safety. Their work often involves testing, modeling, and applying standards to ensure system performance and reliability.

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 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.

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 professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, or energy. Salaries can also vary based on the complexity of projects and the size of the employer.

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, CAD tools, and relevant certifications.
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Thermal Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,528 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Senior Thermal Engineer

Senior Thermal Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

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 of spacecraft per year. 

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

About this role:

We're designing a high-power satellite bus that accommodates multiple payload types - including a compute-intensive Nvidia payload with significant thermal dissipation. The thermal architecture is a first-order design decision for this bus, not an afterthought. You'll own thermal analysis and design from system architecture through flight delivery, starting during the architecture trade studies.

The thermal challenges span the full range: multiple payload configurations with different thermal profiles, high-power-density electronics with demanding heat rejection requirements, and a production-rate design that must be repeatable across hundreds of spacecraft. You'll start as the sole thermal engineer and build a team as the program scales.

Responsibilities: 

  • Define the thermal control architecture - trade passive, heat pipe, and pumped fluid loop approaches, radiator sizing and placement
  • Perform system-level and component-level thermal analysis for the satellite bus across all payload configurations
  • Address the high-power thermal challenge - Nvidia compute module drives heat rejection requirements that may force the architecture
  • Contribute first-order thermal models to the spacecraft design, simulation, and digital twin tool for fast design iteration, then validate using traditional analysis tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop)
  • Develop and maintain the detailed system thermal model
  • Own the thermal budget - min/max temperatures per component vs qualification limits, across all orbital conditions
  • Select thermal coatings and materials (AZ-93, S13G, Kapton, Aeroglaze, etc.)
  • Specify and procure emissivity control materials and RTDs (temperature sensors)
  • Plan TVAC test campaigns - define chamber requirements, test profiles, success criteria (feeds facility planning)
  • Correlate thermal models to test data after environmental testing
  • Support solar array thermal analysis (coordinate with solar array team lead)
  • Support box-level thermal design for new clean-sheet avionics designs - power dissipation, interface temperatures, mounting thermal resistance

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 6+ years of spacecraft or aerospace thermal engineering experience
  • Spacecraft thermal control design and analysis experience - passive and active systems
  • Built and correlated thermal models for flight hardware
  • Experience with high-power / high-dissipation thermal challenges
  • Familiar with thermal coatings, MLI, radiators, heat pipes, thermal straps
  • TVAC test planning and execution experience
  • Comfortable working during early architecture phases - you can make thermal architecture recommendations with incomplete data and refine as the design matures
  • Experience across multiple thermal analysis tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA, ESATAN, or equivalent)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Able to obtain a security clearance
  • Experience with multi-satellite builds where thermal design must be consistent across units
  • High-power-density thermal design experience
  • Thermal design for payloads with variable duty cycles
  • Cryogenic or specialized thermal control experience

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