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Thermodynamics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Delos

Senior Combustion Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

This role applies expertise in combustion science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat ... The engineer collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to conduct experimental investigations ...

Kavaliro

L5 / L6 Rocket Engineer

Canoga Park, CA · On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

This role requires strong understanding of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and hydrodynamics, and ... Work with designers and project engineers by providing analysis support. Required Skills:

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Thermodynamics Engineer information

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.
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Thermodynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermodynamics Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Thermodynamics Performance Engineer

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Arbor Energy
Accounting Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Arbor Energyexternal

$140K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

We're looking for a Thermodynamics Performance Engineer to own the dynamic and steady-state thermodynamic models of our direct-fired supercritical CO Brayton cycle. You'll be the person who turns integrated system behavior into clear, actionable insight - running performance studies ahead of test campaigns, reconciling predictions against test data, and growing our modeling capability into a digital-twin-quality simulation platform that supports controls development, trip response, and eventual hardware-in-the-loop testing. You'll work closely with our test, combustion, turbomachinery, recuperator, fluid systems, and controls engineers. This is the simulation backbone for a first-of-a-kind power system, and the work is foundational to how we operate, validate, and scale the technology.

This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office. 

Responsibilities
  • Own the integrated cycle performance model - steady-state and dynamic - for our direct-fired sCO Brayton power loop, maintaining and advancing it through the hardware lifecycle
  • Run performance prediction and sensitivity studies ahead of test campaigns; reconcile model output against test data to drive model refinement and surface component-level insights
  • Own the architecture call on how our dynamic modeling stack should evolve over time - what platform, what fidelity, on what evidence
  • Build property tables, turbomachinery map handling, heat exchanger transient models, and combustor representations appropriate to the cycle and fidelity required
  • Collaborate with combustion, turbomachinery, and heat exchanger engineers to integrate component data into system-level models; collaborate with controls and software teams on closed-loop simulation and HIL planning
  • Develop simulation infrastructure - scripted scenario runs, parameter sweeps, validation cases - that makes the model usable by engineers beyond yourself
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Nuclear, or related Engineering field
  • 4+ years of experience in cycle performance analysis, thermodynamic systems modeling, or dynamic process simulation
  • Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer, applied to integrated multi-component systems
  • Demonstrated experience building dynamic simulation models of fluid/thermal systems in an industry-grade 1D system simulation platform - and a clear point of view on tool tradeoffs for closed-loop power cycle applications
  • Working knowledge of integrated power loop equipment - heat exchanger sizing, compressor/pump curves, valve Cv, piping hydraulics - and how each shows up in dynamic response
  • Programming proficiency: Python for data reduction and automation; one of MATLAB/Simulink, Modelica, or equivalent for modeling
  • Strong ownership mentality and comfort driving rigorous analysis in a fast-paced startup environment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Deep experience with industry dynamic simulation platforms (such as GT-SUITE, Modelica/Dymola, NPSS, Flownex, Simcenter Amesim, or equivalent) applied to turbomachinery, power cycles, or closed-loop thermal-fluid systems
  • Background in nuclear thermal-hydraulics with fast-dynamic single-phase modeling experience (RELAP, TRACE, MARS, ATHLET, GAMMA, or equivalent), particularly applied to gas-cooled or sCO reactor concepts
  • Working knowledge of real-fluid EOS handling (REFPROP, CoolProp, Span-Wagner) and turbomachinery map interpolation near critical conditions
  • History of making and defending tool/methodology decisions in a constrained engineering environment
  • Experience with supercritical CO, closed Brayton cycles, high-pressure systems (100+ bar), or other high-density working fluids
  • Experience coupling plant models to control systems for HIL testing, controller validation, FMU export, or operator training simulators
  • Hands-on plant startup, commissioning, or field troubleshooting on first-of-a-kind or developmental systems
  • Background in rocketry, gas turbine, advanced reactors, or high-performance turbomachinery environments
Compensation & Benefits
  • Pre-IPO stock options
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
  • Basic life insurance fully covered
  • Health savings account (HSA) with matching
  • Flexible savings account (FSA)
  • Unlimited PTO 
  • 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day! 
  • 401(k)
  • Commuter benefits
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • And more!

Base Pay: $140,000 - $155,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

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