Thermal Engineer (Avionics & PCBs)

Mach Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Mach Industries in Huntington Beach, California, is seeking an experienced engineer to own thermal design and analysis of avionics components. The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in electronics/PCB thermal analysis, a solid understanding of heat transfer, and proficiency with thermal analysis tools. This position involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, executing board-level thermal testing, and designing efficient thermal pathways. Candidates will benefit from competitive equity grants and comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Experience in electronics/PCB thermal analysis (avionics, power electronics, or similar).
• Strong grasp of conduction and radiation-dominated heat transfer.
• Proficiency with thermal tools such as Icepak or Fluent.

Responsibilities

• Own thermal design and analysis of avionics components.
• Predict and manage junction temperatures under mission-relevant conditions.
• Plan and execute board-level thermal testing and model correlation.

Skills

Electronics/PCB thermal analysis

Conduction and radiation-dominated heat transfer

Thermal tools (Icepak, Fluent, Thermal Desktop)

Cross-functional teamwork

Tools

Icepak

Fluent

Thermal Desktop

Job description

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next‑generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition. Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting‑edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

Responsibilities

• Own thermal design and analysis of avionics components, including PCBAs, COTS electronic devices, and custom enclosures.
• Predict and manage junction temperatures, heat spreading, coldspots, and hotspots under mission‑relevant conditions.
• Provide guidance on component placement, stackups, copper, and via strategies for optimizing thermal performance.
• Design conduction paths and interfaces (PCB → chassis, TIMs, contact resistances).
• Plan and execute board‑level thermal testing and model correlation (thermocouples, IR, model validation).

Basic Qualifications

• Experience in electronics/PCB thermal analysis (avionics, power electronics, or similar).
• Strong grasp of conduction and radiation‑dominated heat transfer and transient thermal behaviour.
• Proficiency with thermal tools (Icepak, Fluent, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent).
• Experience with thermal testing and validation of electronics hardware.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with software, electrical, and mechanical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience optimizing PCB layout for thermal performance (placement, planes, vias).
• Background in avionics or embedded electronics thermal design.
• Experience with high power‑density or transient thermal loads.
• Experience with heat sink design.
• Experience with high altitude or space systems.
• Familiarity with chassis/enclosure integration and low‑convection environments.
• Experience building custom analysis tools (Python/MATLAB) or rapid trade studies.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license. Mach participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!