Senior Thermal Systems Engineer

Executive Recruiting Group; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Executive Recruiting Group is seeking a Thermal Systems Engineer in Gardena, CA to ideate and develop system-level solutions using first‑principles thermal engineering. The role focuses on heat pumps, heat exchangers, air coolers, and related equipment within industrial applications.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, 5+ years in energy/thermal engineering, and strong skills in techno‑economic modeling and design tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in energy/thermal/process engineering.
• Proficiency in techno-economic modeling and system design tools.
• Extensive familiarity with pumps, heat exchangers, air coolers, turbomachinery, and related thermal management systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical SME in thermal systems design and turbomachinery integration.
• Identify and develop innovative thermal management concepts.
• Evaluate and optimize system-level solutions using engineering judgment.
• Utilize proprietary software to assess system performance and feasibility.
• Develop technical specifications, performance analyses, and design documentation.
• Process design documents such as PFDs, sizing, equipment lists, and layouts.
• Cost estimates and project schedules for proposed designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product development and system optimization initiatives.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Project management

Engineering documentation

Stakeholder communication

Industrial thermal systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree or higher in Mechanical/Process/Energy Engineering

Tools

Python

MatLab-SimScape

Job description

The Thermal Systems Engineer is responsible for ideating and developing tailored, system-level solutions that align with both technical and performance objectives. This involves leveraging first-principles thermal engineering to conceptualize, size, model, and evaluate systems that meet demanding application requirements. A deep understanding of heat pump products, including their features, performance characteristics, and integration with heat exchangers, air coolers, and other thermal equipment, is essential. The engineer must be able to clearly articulate these elements to both technical and non-technical stakeholders and apply this knowledge effectively across diverse applications. Additionally, the role involves producing high-quality engineering documentation, managing multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful project execution.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert in thermal systems design and turbomachinery integration
• Identify, ideate, and develop innovative thermal management and process integration concepts
• Evaluate and optimize system-level solutions using engineering judgment and analytical tools
• Utilize and contribute to proprietary software to assess system performance and feasibility
• Develop technical specifications, performance analyses, and design documentation
• Process design documents such as PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams), preliminary equipment sizing, equipment lists, and system layouts
• Cost estimates and project schedules for proposed designs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product development and system optimization initiatives

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• At least 5 years of experience working in energy systems, thermal systems engineering, or process engineering
• Proficiency in techno-economic modeling and system design tools
• High familiarity with thermo-mechanical equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, air coolers, refrigeration systems, turbomachinery, and associated thermal management systems used in industrial applications

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer fundamentals
• Experience with heat exchanger design, selection, and performance analysis
• Experience with air-cooled heat exchanger systems and finned-tube technology
• Experience with programming languages such as Python and MatLab-SimScape for engineering modeling or data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical requirements into innovative engineered solutions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce professional-grade engineering documentation
• Self-starter with strong project management skills; capable of handling multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Master's degree or higher in Mechanical, Process, or Energy Engineering