an exemplary embodiment of a temperature sensor includes housing , and a solid state temperature sensing device disposed within the housing . a first wiring conductor makes electrical connection from outside the housing to a first terminal of the sensing device . a second wiring conductor makes electrical connection outside the housing to a second terminal of the device . the housing is an over - molded plastic structure encapsulating the sensing device and portions of the first and second wiring conductors . the plastic structure is fabricated of a thermally conductive material . a method for fabricating a temperature sensor positioning a sensor assembly including an elongated circuit board , a solid state sensing device mounted to a tip of the circuit board , and a portion of a cable assembly electrically connected to the circuit board within a mold assembly defining a housing cavity . molten plastic material is injected into the housing cavity to encapsulate the circuit board , the solid state sensing device and the portion of the cable assembly . the plastic material is thermally conductive and electrically non - conductive . the molten plastic material cools to form a housing structure protecting the sensing device .