What is a Thermal Engineer?

Thermal engineers specialize in the field of thermodynamics, which is a complex subject area which deals with the conversion of heat energy into other energy sources such as chemical, mechanical and electrical, and also fluid mechanics and mass transfer. Thermal engineers may be called upon to work in a number of different industries including the design of heating/cooling equipment, power management and optimization for power companies (gas, electric, nuclear etc) and also the development of renewable energies.

Thermal engineering is a highly skilled area and you will need to have a good aptitude for straight science and math subjects including physics, chemistry and trigonometry, and problem solving and analytical skills are also important assets for this profession. Thermal engineers need to be able to communicate well both verbally and in writing and have excellent computer literacy skills, and will also need to have a genuine interest and concern in environmental issues.

Thermal engineering jobs will vary from post to post, but a typical role would require providing detailed thermal design and analysis for a number of projects from thermal architecture to spacecraft development, and also providing assistance with selecting hardware and testing thermal capabilities. Thermal engineers normally work as a part of an engineering team, whether as independent consultants or as a permanent members of an engineering/technical department.

Thermal engineering is a complex field, and you will need the minimum entry level requirements of an undergraduate degree in engineering (either Electrical or Mechanical) and a solid background in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Professional thermal engineers will also need an advanced PhD degree in Engineering and a number of years experience in the field, and computer literacy with a high level of proficiency in the various thermal engineering software packages available is also required.

Energy conservation is a big issue in the modern world and thermal engineers are much sought after to work in a number of major industries from petrochemicals through to renewable energies, so this is a solid career prospect for anyone with an interest in engineering and environmental issues. Salary and benefits will depend on the level of experience and individual position held, but a fully qualified thermal engineer can earn on average between $52 and $62 thousand per annum. If you like to travel and are interested in visiting new places then thermal engineering is a transferable skill that could see you working almost anywhere in the world.

Thermal Engineer Resources

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