Thermal Systems Engineer @ Actalent

Job Title: Thermal Systems EngineerJob DescriptionThe Thermal Systems Engineer investigates complex thermal-fluid phenomena, develops advanced analytical and numerical models, and translates these insights into clear engineering decisions that drive system performance. This role focuses on modeling system-level behavior, validating coupled physics using tools such as COMSOL, and partnering closely with design and test engineers to accelerate product development and deployment. The engineer also designs and executes experiments, supports customer-specific system designs, and contributes directly to field deployments in both laboratory and outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Investigate difficult or poorly characterized physical phenomena that materially affect system performance, and develop the governing physical understanding needed to inform design and operating decisions.
• Create and refine analytical and numerical models to convert uncertainty into clear engineering decisions that improve system reliability and efficiency.
• Develop and extend analytical methods and numerical models to evaluate system architectures, operating strategies, and long-duration transient behavior.
• Build, extend, and validate COMSOL or other numerical models for coupled thermal-fluid systems, ensuring accurate representation of heat transfer, fluid flow, and coupled heat/mass transport.
• Compare model predictions against laboratory and field data, and translate the results into actionable design recommendations and system improvements.
• Partner closely with design and test engineers to resolve complex technical questions through analysis and modeling, enabling faster and more informed engineering progress.
• Translate complex physics and modeling results into clear guidance for the broader engineering team, supporting rapid iteration and decision-making.
• Design, build, and run experiments to validate critical numerical or analytical results, and interpret experimental data to refine models and design assumptions.
• Develop numerical and analytical models for customer-specific designs, incorporating location-specific solar profiles and customer-specific energy usage profiles to simulate multi-year transient thermal performance.
• Support field deployments by applying models and analytical tools to real-world systems, particularly in large industrial environments where applicable.
• Connect analytical work directly to physical hardware by engaging with mechanical systems, instrumentation, and test setups.
• Adapt quickly to new information by updating models, experiments, and recommendations when evidence or test results indicate a better path forward.

Essential Skills

• Advanced degree such as a master's degree or PhD in mechanical engineering, applied physics, chemical engineering, or another relevant physical sciences field, or an equivalent combination of background and experience.
• Exceptional command of thermal and fluid dynamics, including heat transfer, fluid flow, and coupled heat/mass transport.
• Strong numerical modeling capability, including experience with COMSOL or similar finite element method simulation tools.
• Experience performing transient thermodynamics calculations and developing or using CFD models for thermal-fluid systems.
• Demonstrated ability to apply numerical and analytical methods to practical, fast-paced product development and deployment decisions.
• Strong mechanical intuition and background, with a clear interest in connecting analytical work to physical hardware and real-world systems.
• Ability to compare model results with experimental or field data and use discrepancies to refine models and designs.
• Comfort working hands-on in both laboratory and outdoor field environments.
• High sense of ownership and willingness to change direction quickly when new evidence or test results require it.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with deployment of thermal-fluid systems in large industrial environments.
• Experience using a range of modeling and simulation software tools, including but not limited to COMSOL.
• background in applied physics or chemical engineering that supports multi-physics and coupled transport analysis.
• Evidence of effectively collaborating with design and test engineers to solve complex technical problems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex physics and modeling results clearly to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Personal traits such as low ego, strong collaboration skills, and a willingness to engage deeply with both analytical and hands-on work.

Work EnvironmentThe role operates in a mix of analytical, laboratory, and outdoor field environments. You will frequently use modeling and simulation software such as COMSOL and other numerical tools to develop and validate thermal-fluid models. Work includes time in a lab setting designing, building, and running experiments, as well as time in outdoor field environments supporting system testing and deployments, where conditions may be hands-on and physically demanding. The environment emphasizes rapid learning, high ownership, and close collaboration with design and test engineers to support fast-paced product development and real-world system deployment.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Woodinville, WA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $85.00 - $85.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Woodinville,WA.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.