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Thermal Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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As a Thermal Research Engineer you will be responsible for supporting the design, modeling, and experimental validation of advanced thermal management systems for next-generation electronics cooling ...

We are seeking a Thermal R&D Engineer with handson experience in twophase cooling and refrigerationbased systems. This role focuses on the architecture, design, prototyping, and validation of ...

We are seeking a Thermal R&D Engineer with hands-on experience in two-phase cooling and refrigeration-based systems. This role focuses on the architecture, design, prototyping, and validation of ...

$60 - $80/hr

Junior Thermal Research Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, modeling, and experimental validation of advanced thermal management systems for next-generation electronics cooling ...

Conduct single and two-phase fluid flow and heat transfer research and apply it to the development ... Conduct thermal research, design, and engineering projects to support the company's business.

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Thermal Research Engineer information

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$43.5K

$104.5K

$167.5K

How much do thermal research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermal research engineer 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 a thermal research engineer?

Thermal Research Engineers are professionals who specialize in studying, designing, and improving systems and processes that involve heat transfer, thermodynamics, and energy conversion. They work in fields such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing to develop efficient thermal management solutions. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, performing simulations, analyzing data, and creating innovative approaches to optimize thermal performance in products and systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thermal research engineer?

To thrive as a Thermal Research Engineer, you need a strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with simulation software such as ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB, and CAD tools, as well as experience with laboratory instrumentation, is commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating on complex research projects and presenting findings. These skills and qualities are vital to developing innovative thermal solutions and ensuring accurate, reliable research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by thermal research engineers during the development of new thermal management systems?

Thermal Research Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing performance, cost, and reliability when designing new thermal management systems. They must address issues such as optimizing heat transfer, integrating systems within tight physical constraints, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and materials engineers—is essential to address these complexities, and iterative testing and modeling are frequently required to refine designs. Staying current with emerging materials and simulation tools also plays a critical role in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Thermal Research Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectThermal Research EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Thermal, or Aerospace EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, testing facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, testing labs
Industry UsageFocus on thermal systems, heat transfer, cooling solutionsBroader mechanical systems, structural design, manufacturing

Thermal Research Engineers specialize in heat transfer, thermal management, and related research, often working in labs and R&D settings. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, including design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in focus and work environment.

What cities are hiring for Thermal Research Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Thermal Research Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Thermal Research Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Thermal Research Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Thermal Research Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Thermal Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,528 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Junior Thermal Research Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Description


The Junior Thermal Research Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary engineering team to developinnovative thermal management and test solutionsfor high-performance electronics and data center systems. The role combinesthermal system design, modeling, experimentation, and data science techniques, with a focus on enabling faster design cycles and improved system-level insight.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Support thedesign and development of thermal management systems, including liquid cooling, two-phase cooling, and heat exchanger-based architectures
  • Cooling system design includingcold plates, cooling distribution units (CDUs) and passive two-phase solutions (heat pipes and vapor chambers)
  • Develop and applythermal-fluid modeling tools(steady-state and transient) for system-level performance prediction, including pressure drop, heat transfer, and coolant distribution
  • Implement and usemachine learning, AI and data-driven methods
  • Supportdata center cooling system modeling, including rack-level and component-level thermal architecture analysis
  • Conductdesign of experiments (DOE)and support experimental testing, including instrumentation, data acquisition, and validation of models
  • Create and maintainCAD models and engineering documentation(e.g., SolidWorks designs, P&IDs, drawings, and test plans)
  • Assist in development ofcomputational tools and simulation frameworks(Python, MATLAB) to support engineering decision-making and research activities
  • Supportprototype development and testbed construction, including integration of thermal systems and measurement capabilities
  • Collaborate with senior engineers and researchers to:
    • Evaluate new cooling technologies
    • Improve system efficiency and performance
    • Identify key design tradeoffs
  • Contribute to technical documentation, reports, and presentations of results
  • Supportcomponent and material selectionfor thermal systems (heat exchangers, sensors, cooling loops)
  • Assist inmanufacturing and assembly support, including prototype builds and testing

Basic Qualifications

  • Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.
  • Relocation may be offered for the role, must be currently located in the United States.

Preferred Experience:

  • Exposure todata center cooling or high-performance electronics thermal management
  • Experience developingreduced-order or surrogate models for thermal systems
  • Familiarity withoptimization-driven design workflows
  • Experience integratingmodeling and experimental validation
  • Focus or coursework inheat transfer, fluid dynamics, or thermal systemsrequired
  • Laboratory experience
  • Graduate research experience inthermal-fluid sciences or cooling technologies strongly preferred

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Fredericksburg

Remote Type

On-Site

EEO Statement

Boyd Corp is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.