Description Are you ready to put your aerospace & thermal engineering skills to work solving critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members? Are you passionate about ...
Description Are you ready to put your aerospace & thermal engineering skills to work solving critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members? Are you passionate about ...
Description Are you ready to put your aerospace & thermal engineering skills to work solving critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members? Are you passionate about ...
Description Are you ready to put your aerospace & thermal engineering skills to work solving critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members? Are you passionate about ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
... engineering lab * Provide ideas towards our efforts of continuous learning and growth What we need to see: * Associate degree (or equivalent experience) * 2+ years relevant experience in thermal or ...
... engineering lab * Provide ideas towards our efforts of continuous learning and growth What we need to see: * Associate degree (or equivalent experience) * 2+ years relevant experience in thermal or ...
Thermal Engineer
San Jose, CA · On-site
$138K - $206K/yr
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related Physical Science) with 5+ years of ... PhD degree in Thermal Engineering. * Minimum of 2 years of direct industry experience preferred.
Quick apply
Thermal Engineer
San Jose, CA · On-site
$138K - $206K/yr
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related Physical Science) with 5+ years of ... PhD degree in Thermal Engineering. * Minimum of 2 years of direct industry experience preferred.
Thermal Engineer
San Jose, CA · On-site
$138K - $206K/yr
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related Physical Science) with 5+ years of ... PhD degree in Thermal Engineering. * Minimum of 2 years of direct industry experience preferred.
Thermal Engineer
San Jose, CA · On-site
$138K - $206K/yr
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related Physical Science) with 5+ years of ... PhD degree in Thermal Engineering. * Minimum of 2 years of direct industry experience preferred.
... engineering lab * Provide ideas towards our efforts of continuous learning and growth What we need to see: * Associate degree (or equivalent experience) * 2+ years relevant experience in thermal or ...
... engineering lab * Provide ideas towards our efforts of continuous learning and growth What we need to see: * Associate degree (or equivalent experience) * 2+ years relevant experience in thermal or ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Sr Thermal Engineer
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$142.30K - $213.40K/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 ...
Sr Thermal Engineer
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$142.30K - $213.40K/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 ...
Senior Thermal Engineer, Liquid Cooling Systems
San Jose, CA · On-site
$200K - $250K/yr
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in thermal management or related areas are highly desirable. * A Minimum ...
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Senior Thermal Engineer, Liquid Cooling Systems
San Jose, CA · On-site
$200K - $250K/yr
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in thermal management or related areas are highly desirable. * A Minimum ...
Senior Thermal Engineer, Liquid Cooling Systems
San Jose, CA · On-site
$200K - $250K/yr
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in thermal management or related areas are highly desirable. * A Minimum ...
Senior Thermal Engineer, Liquid Cooling Systems
San Jose, CA · On-site
$200K - $250K/yr
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in thermal management or related areas are highly desirable. * A Minimum ...
Thermal Engineering Intern Fall 2026
Long Beach, CA · On-site
$28/hr
As a Thermal Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you'll join a team that handles thermal control for all of the spacecraft and spacecraft components in the Rocket ...
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Thermal Engineering Intern Fall 2026
Long Beach, CA · On-site
$28/hr
As a Thermal Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you'll join a team that handles thermal control for all of the spacecraft and spacecraft components in the Rocket ...
Reporting to the Thermal Engineering Manager, the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (II/III) will be involved in all aspects of a spacecraft's development. They will support spacecraft thermal systems ...
Quick apply
Reporting to the Thermal Engineering Manager, the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (II/III) will be involved in all aspects of a spacecraft's development. They will support spacecraft thermal systems ...
Actively promote Wakefield's thermal engineering services to customers and educate them on the benefits of involving Wakefield at the inception of their design process. Demonstrate Wakefield Thermal ...
Quick apply
Actively promote Wakefield's thermal engineering services to customers and educate them on the benefits of involving Wakefield at the inception of their design process. Demonstrate Wakefield Thermal ...
Thermal Engineering Intern Fall 2026
Long Beach, CA · On-site
$28/hr
As a Thermal Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you'll join a team that handles thermal control for all of the spacecraft and spacecraft components in the Rocket ...
Thermal Engineering Intern Fall 2026
Long Beach, CA · On-site
$28/hr
As a Thermal Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you'll join a team that handles thermal control for all of the spacecraft and spacecraft components in the Rocket ...
The ideal candidate has experience with thermal measurement and is passionate about technology and engineering. Other duties include designing and managing facility scale HVAC systems in a production ...
The ideal candidate has experience with thermal measurement and is passionate about technology and engineering. Other duties include designing and managing facility scale HVAC systems in a production ...
Thermal Engineer II
El Segundo, CA · On-site
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 ...
Thermal Engineer II
El Segundo, CA · On-site
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 ...
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 ...
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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 ...
NATURE & SCOPE Reports to the Global Engineering Manager, Thermal Modeling Group. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Develop thermal performance models, prediction software tools, and rating programs.
Quick apply
NATURE & SCOPE Reports to the Global Engineering Manager, Thermal Modeling Group. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Develop thermal performance models, prediction software tools, and rating programs.
Thermal Engineering 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 engineering jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Thermal Engineer, and why are they important?
How do thermal engineers typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines on large-scale projects?
What is thermal engineering?
What is the difference between Thermal Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?
| Aspect | Thermal Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Heat transfer, thermodynamics, HVAC systems, energy systems | Design, analysis, manufacturing of mechanical systems, machinery, and tools |
| Credentials | Bachelor's or master's in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering | Bachelor's or master's in Mechanical Engineering |
| Work Environment | Research labs, manufacturing plants, energy sectors | Factories, design firms, R&D departments |
| Industry Usage | Power plants, HVAC, aerospace, automotive | Automotive, 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.

2026 PhD Graduate - Aerospace & Thermal Engineering
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics LaboratoryLaurel, MD • On-site
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 10 days ago
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating
9.9
Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
1st of 56 rated research
Job description
Are you ready to put your aerospace & thermal engineering skills to work solving critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members?
Are you passionate about thermal/aerothermal and aerodynamic design for rocket motor systems, including hypersonic flight and advanced propulsion?
If so, then you are exactly the type of candidate we are looking for! We are seeking highly motivated teammates to join our dynamic group of engineers and scientists. As part of our multidisciplinary team you will work in a highly collaborative and engaging environment.
We are currently looking for candidates to join the Aerospace & Thermal Engineering group that have expertise in:
- Aerodynamics, aeroacoustics & computational fluid dynamics
- Wind tunnel testing; in-silo, restrained fire, and flight testing of rocket motors
- Reacting multi-phase flows, non-equilibrium flows & fluid/structure interactions
- Combustion, thermochemistry, ablation & surface chemistry
- Thermal & aerothermal analysis, design and test
- Multi-waveband sensor modeling & scene generation
- Software architecture, GPU computing & physics-based algorithm development
Our engineers and scientists collaborate closely to find solutions for challenging thermal environments such as in-silo rocket launch, thermal protection systems for hypersonic speeds, and turbulent combustion in detonation engines. At the opposite extreme, we have worked on spacecraft, lunar infrastructure, and systems deployed in Antarctica. All of these environments create challenges not only in thermal and aerodynamic design and testing, but also in predictive modeling.
Our computational physicists, software architects and high performance computing experts are continually evolving state-of-the-art modeling and simulation capabilities to guide design, prototype development and testing of kinetic weapons systems. They are at the cutting edge of scene and signature generation in simulating performance of the infrared, optical and radio frequency sensors that detect such systems.
Our sponsors mandate us to solve today's problems with the best methods available today, but we strive to also look forward - to anticipate new engineering challenges and new opportunities. Our group sustains an energetic community of innovators. Current efforts include work in rotating detonation engine technology development, new thermal protection system materials, electric propulsion for space applications, and spatiotemporal methods for GPU-based modeling of turbulent combustion and hypersonic boundary layers.
We collaborate with other groups across the lab in nearly all we do, and regularly work with subject matter experts in external academic and defense communities - to consult, to employ state-of-the-art testing capabilities and to partner in developing new hardware technologies and software methodologies.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
- Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a related field.
- Are an expert in one of the following areas: aerodynamics and fluid analysis, thermal/fluid modeling, heat transfer, thermochemistry, combustion, hypersonic thermal design, infrared scenes, signatures and related software development.
- Are a motivated self-starter with excellent communications skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If you are selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually
About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Manufacturing
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Laurel, MA, US