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Thermodynamics Engineer Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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Thermodynamics Engineer information

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$56

$66

$75

How much do thermodynamics engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for thermodynamics engineer in Alaska is $66.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61.54 and $71.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a thermodynamics engineer?

A thermodynamics engineer is a type of aerospace engineer whose duties involve constructing, designing, and testing missiles, aircraft, and spacecraft. As a thermodynamics engineer, you research materials and use computer simulations to test equipment. Problem-solving, computer, and creativity skills are vital for this career. Qualifications begin with a bachelor’s degree which qualifies you to pursue graduate-level mechanical engineering or certificate programs. Earning a master’s degree can pave the way to job advancement in this field. Employers typically prefer five years of relevant job experience. Some companies may require you to have certain clearance levels.

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

To excel as a Thermodynamics Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of thermodynamic principles, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools such as ANSYS, MATLAB, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient systems, optimizing energy use, and ensuring safe, reliable solutions in complex engineering projects.

What are some typical challenges a thermodynamics engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Thermodynamics Engineers often collaborate with teams from mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering backgrounds, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and project goals. Ensuring accurate communication of complex thermodynamic concepts and integrating them into broader system designs is essential. Additionally, balancing efficiency, safety, and cost constraints while meeting project deadlines can be demanding. Success in this role requires strong teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to translate technical findings into actionable recommendations for colleagues from other disciplines.

What is the difference between Thermodynamics Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectThermodynamics EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering; certifications in thermodynamicsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, energy plants, HVAC systems, aerospaceManufacturing, design, product development, maintenance
Industry UsageEnergy, aerospace, HVAC, power generationAutomotive, manufacturing, robotics, product design

Thermodynamics Engineers focus on energy systems, heat transfer, and thermodynamic processes, often working in energy and aerospace sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, covering design, manufacturing, and maintenance across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Thermodynamics Engineers specialize in energy and heat-related applications, whereas Mechanical Engineers work on a wider range of mechanical systems.

What does a thermodynamics engineer do?

A thermodynamics engineer analyzes and applies principles of heat transfer, energy systems, and thermodynamic cycles to design and optimize equipment such as engines, turbines, and refrigeration systems. They often use simulation tools and require a strong understanding of physics and mathematics to improve efficiency and performance in various industries.

What are popular job titles related to Thermodynamics Engineer jobs in Alaska?

For Thermodynamics Engineer jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Thermodynamics Engineer jobs in AK?

For Thermodynamics Engineer jobs in AK, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Thermodynamics Engineer job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,537 per year, or $66.6 per hour.

$95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


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7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

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Job description

The Lead Engineer (LE) is responsible for the implementation of highly complex and challenging projects comprised of multiple sub-projects and/or large national programs which require application of in-depth engineering knowledge and independent judgement and the ability to coordinate difficult and/or critical activities.

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

Degree: Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by (ABET); or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR

Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1 , or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.

2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements section above. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described above.4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelors degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I (FG/GS-13). Specialized experience is experience gained in an 800 Engineer series position that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is: Demonstrate experience inInstrument Landing Systems (ILS) Category I-III systems, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) principles, Lighted Navaids High Intensity Approach Lighting System with Sequenced Flashing Lights (ALSF), Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Sequenced Flashing Lights (MALSF), Precision Approach Path Indicator Lights (PAPI), Runway End Identification Lights (REILs), and related navigation technologies along with experience with relevant industry standards and regulations governing ILS, VOR, and Visual Aids systems. Demonstrate experience and ability in design, installation, and flight inspection including configuration, reconfiguration setting up, tuning, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning systems such as ILS, VOR, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Tactical Aircraft Control and Navigation (TACAN), Runway Visual Range (RVR), and Lighted Navaids.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

For additional information on qualification requirements, please visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/general-engineering-series-0801/

Education:This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).
Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.
Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.
Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.

A copy of your unofficial/final college or university transcript MUST accompany your application if you have never held a position in the 800 series with the FAA.

Employment Type: OTHER

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