Thermal Systems Engineer

[Job Description]A clean energy thermal R&D company located in Woodinville, WA is currently hiring for a Thermal Systems Engineer. The 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.[Details]Position - Thermal Systems EngineerPay - $85/hr. ($176,800/yr.)Location - Woodinville, WA (100% On-Site)12-Month Contract-To-Hire[Summary of Key Responsibilities]

• Own deep technical problems: Investigate difficult or poorly characterized physical phenomena that materially affect system performance.
• Develop the governing physical understanding, analytical and/or numerical models, and experiments needed to turn uncertainty into engineering decisions.
• Model system-level behavior: Develop and extend analytical methods and numerical models to evaluate system architecture, operating strategies, and long-duration transient behavior.
• Model and validate coupled physics: Develop, extend, and validate COMSOL or other numerical models for coupled thermal-fluid systems.
• Compare predictions against laboratory and field data and translate results into design decisions.
• Accelerate the engineering team: Partner closely with design and test engineers to resolve difficult technical questions through analysis and modeling, translating complex physics into faster engineering progress.
• Design and run experiments: Design, build, run, and interpret data from experiments to validate critical numerical or analytical results.
• Support customer designs and field deployments: Develop numerical and analytical models for customer designs, using location-specific solar profiles along with customer-specific energy usage profiles to model multi-year transient thermal performance.

[Qualification Requirements]

• M.S. or PhD in mechanical engineering, applied physics, chemical engineering, or another relevant physical sciences field, or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional command of thermal and fluid dynamics, including heat transfer, fluid flow, and coupled heat/mass transport.
• Strong numerical modeling capability: Experience with COMSOL or similar finite element method simulations, with preferred experience in transient thermodynamics calculations and CFD models.
• Experience applying numerical and analytical methods to practical, fast-paced product development and deployment decisions. Experience with deployment in large industrial environments is a plus.
• Strong mechanical intuition and evidence that you enjoy connecting analysis to physical hardware.
• Low ego, high ownership. Comfortable rapidly changing paths when evidence and test results indicate.
• Comfortable working hands-on in both lab and outdoor field environments, and getting dirty when the job requires.

[Employee Value Proposition]

• An exceptional opportunity to join a fast-growing, innovative company that supports thermal battery and clean energy storage.
• You will be a load-bearing member of a small, fast-moving team, with significant responsibility for the systems that the company deploys. Systems you develop will ultimately be deployed at enormous scale, presenting a unique opportunity for individual contributions to have outsized impact.

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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Woodinville, WA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.