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Thermal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arcfield

Thermal Design Engineer IV

Louisville, CO · On-site

Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant engineering or computation field plus 8-10 years, MS plus 6-8 years, or PhD plus 3-5 years of professional experience in thermal engineering positions. * 3+ ...

Vast

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Thermal Engineering information

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$43.5K

$104.5K

$167.5K

How much do thermal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 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 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 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 electronics, HVAC, and power plants. 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, safely, and within specified temperature ranges.

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.
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Thermal Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermal Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.

Thermal Design Engineer IV

Arcfield

Louisville, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
Overview
This role is responsible for thermal system design and analysis of complex spacecraft and payloads, spanning from the lowest-level component up through sub-system and full system levels. The position includes designing thermal solutions for a wide range of electronic components and ensuring thermal closure while meeting cost and schedule objectives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform thermal system design and analysis for spacecraft and payloads across component, sub-system, and system levels.
  • Design thermal integration of electronic components such as processors, power supplies, cameras, and optical assemblies at the sub-system and spacecraft level.
  • Ensure thermal designs close properly and identify innovative technical means to meet thermal, cost, and schedule requirements.
  • Perform FEM-based thermal model analysis using Thermal Desktop.
  • Develop preliminary concepts supporting early design activities through design V&V (verification and validation) and transition to rate production.
  • Collaborate effectively with avionics, mechanical, structural, program management, and AI&T teams with strong internal customer focus.

Qualifications
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant engineering or computation field plus 8-10 years,
    MS plus 6-8 years, or PhD plus 3-5 years of professional experience in thermal engineering positions.
  • 3+ years of professional working experience in the space industry.
  • Experience with Thermal Desktop, CAD modeling, and basic thermal principles.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Preferred
  • Ability to perform mechanical engineering design tasks using SolidWorks, in addition to primary thermal engineering duties.

Equal Pay Act
This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield 's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. Min: $108,763.19 Max: $189,118.08
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.

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