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Thermal Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plan and execute thermal tests, including operating environmental chambers to validate design performance and reliability. * Analyze and optimize airflow management systems and design efficient ...

Thermal Analyst III

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

... the operating envelope required by customers. You will be responsible for thermal design and ... analysis of components, assemblies and systems to support fabrication, testing, production and ...

Thermal Analyst III

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

... the operating envelope required by customers. You will be responsible for thermal design and ... analysis of components, assemblies and systems to support fabrication, testing, production and ...

Thermal Design Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $149K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... About the Team The Thermal Engineering team enables Anduril's rapid hardware development cycle by ...

Thermal Spray Operator Type: Contract To Hire 1st shift (7AM - 3:30PM) 2nd shift (3PM - 11:30PM) Responsibilities * Operate and maintain a clean and organized HVOF spray booth. * Prepare workpieces ...

Thermal Spray Operator Type: Contract To Hire 1st shift (7AM - 3:30PM) 2nd shift (3PM - 11:30PM) Responsibilities * Operate and maintain a clean and organized HVOF spray booth. * Prepare workpieces ...

Thermal Spray Operator Type: Contract To Hire 1st shift (7AM - 3:30PM) 2nd shift (3PM - 11:30PM) Responsibilities * Operate and maintain a clean and organized HVOF spray booth. * Prepare workpieces ...

Thermal Spray Operator Type: Contract To Hire 1st shift (7AM - 3:30PM) 2nd shift (3PM - 11:30PM) Responsibilities * Operate and maintain a clean and organized HVOF spray booth. * Prepare workpieces ...

Thermal Analyst III

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

... the operating envelope required by customers. You will be responsible for thermal design and ... analysis of components, assemblies and systems to support fabrication, testing, production and ...

Thermal design here is a functional requirement rather than a reliability margin. Photonic device ... Scope and Impact The temperature field this position defines sets the operating envelope for the ...

Showing results 41-60

Thermal Operator information

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$12

$19

$25

How much do thermal operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for thermal operator in the United States is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Thermal Operator vs Boiler Operator?

AspectThermal OperatorBoiler Operator
CertificationsTypically requires HVAC or thermal plant operation certificationsRequires boiler operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates thermal plants, power stations, or manufacturing facilitiesManages boiler systems in industrial, power, or heating plants
Industry UsageCommon in power generation, manufacturing, and energy sectorsPrimarily in power plants, heating plants, and industrial facilities

The main difference between a Thermal Operator and a Boiler Operator lies in their scope of work. Thermal Operators oversee broader thermal systems, including turbines and heat exchangers, while Boiler Operators focus specifically on boiler systems. Both roles require specialized certifications and are vital in energy and manufacturing industries, but their daily tasks and system focus differ.

What does a thermal operator do?

A thermal operator is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in heating, cooling, or thermal processing systems. They monitor temperature levels, adjust controls, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working with tools like thermometers and control panels. Certification in HVAC or industrial safety may be required, and the job typically involves working in industrial or manufacturing environments.

What cities are hiring for Thermal Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Thermal Operator job openings:

What states have the most Thermal Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Thermal Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Thermal Operator jobs?

For Thermal Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Thermal Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,702 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Thermal Spray Operator

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC
Manufacturingย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$18.15 - $29.40/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate and maintain HVOF and PLASMA spray equipment to apply thermal coatings on turbine components.

  • Prepare surfaces and handle materials to ensure proper coating adhesion and quality, including cleaning, masking, and grit blasting.

  • Monitor and verify coating quality and thickness, document processes, and perform routine equipment maintenance.


Job description

Description

This position supports the repair and manufacturing of critical turbine parts by applying protective coatings that enhance wear resistance, corrosion protection, and thermal barrier performance. The ideal candidate will have experience working with industrial gas turbine components and thermal spray equipment in a manufacturing or repair environment.ย 

Key Responsibilities:


Thermal Spray Operation:ย 

  • Follow Work Instructions, Load Programs into the ABB Robots, Operate and maintain HVOF & PLASMA spray equipment, including HVOF (High Velocity Oxygen Fuel) guns, PLASMA guns, and spray systems.ย 
  • Ensure that the equipment is calibrated, configured, and ready for coating applications in accordance with specified engineering specifications. ย 

Preparing Surfaces:ย 

  • Properly prepare surfaces to be coated by cleaning, Masking, Polymer Application (DYMAX), grit blasting, ensuring the surface is free from contaminants, ensuring optimal coating adhesion, and deburring the coating on non-coated areas. ย 

Material Preparation:ย 

  • Handle and prepare thermal spray materials, including powders to be fed into the HVOF & PLASMA gun for the coating process. ย ย 

Coating Application:ย 

  • Skillfully apply HVOF & PLASMA thermal spray coatings on various substrates while adhering to precise parameters such as gases, powder feed, and Coating Thickness. ย 
  • Verify coating thickness, surface finish, and coating quality using approved inspection processes.ย 

Quality Control:ย 

  • Read, interpret, and follow all engineering drawings, coating specifications, process sheets, and technical instructions.ย 
  • Continuously monitor the spray process to ensure it meets specifications. This often involves using precision tools like calipers and micrometers to measure coating thickness and other parameters. ย 
  • Continuously perform and track routine equipment maintenance, including all required preventive maintenance scheduling, proper troubleshooting, and necessary process adjustments to ensure continuous high-quality coatings.ย 

Safety Compliance:ย 

  • Adhere to all established safety initiatives, including but not limited to proper PPE usage, maintaining good housekeeping standards throughout the department and work facility.ย 
  • Personally observe safety and security procedures and proper use of equipment and material and actively promote safety processes. ย 

Documentation:ย 

  • Accurately document and record all spray and coating processes and data. Track and maintain all spray and coating material usage, coating thicknesses, and other quality-control checks.
  • Proactively collaborate with engineering and the production team to resolve any process gaps or issues.ย 
  • Support and adhere to all continuous improvement initiatives to enhance and improve efficiency, productivity, quality, and process reliability.ย 
  • Perform other related tasks assigned by managementย 

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience and knowledge operating plasma spray or thermal spray coating equipment.
  • 3- 5 years of experience coating industrial gas turbine components, including but not limited toย Turbine blades,ย Vanes,ย Combustion components, Transition pieces,ย Shrouds, and compressor components. ย 
  • Knowledge of thermal spray processes, including plasma spray, HVOF, and bond coat applications.
  • ย Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and process specifications.
  • Must be able to perform basic mathematical arithmetic for proper measurements, calculations, and defining and interpreting technical drawings.ย 
  • Familiarity with coating thickness measurement equipment and inspection techniques.
  • ย Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
  • Must be available to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as business requires.ย