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Thermal Engineer - Assistant Staff with Security Clearance

Confidential ClientAerospace & Defense
Entry LevelFull-timeOn-Site$131,171
Lexington, Massachusetts
2 Days Ago

The Thermal Engineer role at Confidential Client involves supporting the design, analysis, and testing of thermal systems for advanced prototype systems used in national security missions. The position requires collaboration in multidisciplinary teams to develop thermal management solutions for high power electronics, optical, and RF hardware operating under diverse thermal conditions, with opportunities for hands-on hardware integration and testing. Candidates must be able to obtain a Top Secret DoD security clearance and effectively communicate technical results.

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Description

About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.


Position Overview

Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Thermal Engineer (Assistant Staff) to support design, analysis, and test of thermal systems for prototype hardware used in national-security applications. The role focuses on thermal management for high‑power electronics, sensitive optics, and RF hardware across a range of environments (cryogenic to hypersonic). This is a full‑time position based in Lexington, MA. U.S. citizenship is required due to security clearance needs.


What You’ll Do

  • Support thermal design, analysis, and validation of prototype systems and subsystems.
  • Run and interpret thermal models and simulations; learn to use thermal modeling tools.
  • Plan, execute, and document thermal test campaigns in lab and field environments.
  • Integrate thermal solutions with mechanical, electrical, and optical subsystems.
  • Troubleshoot thermal issues on hardware and iterate designs with hands‑on build/test work.
  • Prepare clear technical reports and present results to multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
  • Participate in design reviews, environmental testing, and vendor/partner engagements.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Strong fundamentals in heat transfer and thermodynamics.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills; able to present technical results.
  • Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (Top Secret DoD level).
  • Ability to travel periodically to meetings and field sites as required.

Preferred (nice to have):

  • Hands‑on experience with thermal testing, instrumentation, and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with thermal modeling or CFD tools.
  • Exposure to prototype hardware integration and laboratory test procedures.
  • Experience with hardware for high‑power electronics, optics, or RF systems.

Compensation & Benefits

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $100,200 - $120,000 (base salary)
Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200 - $150,000 (base salary)

Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes (but is not limited to):

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Paid leave (vacation, sick, parental, military)
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
  • Mentorship and opportunities for technical and programmatic leadership

Note: The ranges above represent good‑faith estimates and the final offer will depend on experience, skills, and other factors.


Additional Details

  • Employment type: FULL_TIME
  • Location: Lexington, MA (on-site work with possible short-term travel)
  • Citizenship requirement: U.S. citizenship required for clearance sponsorship
  • Security: Selected candidate will undergo a pre‑employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret DoD security clearance.

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.

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