Thermal Engineer

Post Date

Jun 29, 2026

Location

Costa Mesa,
California

ZIP/Postal Code

92626
US
Sep 20, 2026 Insight Global

Job Type

Perm

Category

Mechanical Engineering

Req #

SDG-15f33130-b7ad-44d8-b6b5-36ac2e1a70cc

Pay Rate

$120k - $250k (estimate)

Job Description

• Own the thermal design and analysis of a drone, aircraft, or missile.
• Use first principles as a basis for every decision and discern the right level of analysis to apply. Execute hand calculations, spreadsheet, and MATLAB/Python first-order models to inform path forward before jumping into detailed design.
• Define good thermal architecture to withstand rugged environments and demanding flight envelopes. Define hot, cold, and any other edge cases that need to be analyzed based on industry standards and intended use.
• Work with engineers in other disciplines to document power dissipations under different operating modes.
• Communicate pros/cons of system architecture with respect to thermal considerations.
• Own the thermal FEA/CFD models and predict system performance. Define red/yellow design limits for test and operation.
• Define and execute prototype builds and tests to verify thermal designs (do CAD, select sensors and DAQ equipment, post-process data, summarize results, etc.).
• Present thermal status at formal reviews internally and with customers. Provide clear understanding of timelines and technical status.
• Develop internal tools to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of analysis.
• Support failure reviews and root-cause analysis with test data and thermal analysis.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Required Skills & Experience

• Currently pursuing or have obtained a MS or higher degree in engineering or applied physics with focus on heat transfer and fluid dynamics
• In-depth understanding of heat transfer and fluid dynamics
• Experience in the aerospace industry and an aircraft, rocket, or missile program
• 5+ years of experience designing thermal systems for integrated hardware products
• Practical experience designing passive and active thermal management systems
• Thermal testing experience –sensor selection, data acquisition, data post-processing
• Thermal FEA experience –STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, Icepak, or Flotherm
• CAD experience with SolidWorks or Siemens NX
• Passion for defending the United States and her allies
• Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

• Experience developing code in higher-level languages like Python or MATLAB for applications like lumped thermal capacitance steady state and transient analysis

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.