Role: Thermal Performance Engineer

Location: Auburn Hills, MI (Onsite)
Duration: 12+ Months

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Thermal Performance Engineer to support the development and validation of next-generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) thermal systems. This role focuses on vehicle testing, thermal analysis, instrumentation, and HVAC system development to optimize vehicle performance, energy efficiency, and customer driving range.

The selected engineer will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate thermal system performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support the design and validation of advanced vehicle thermal technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform vehicle thermal system instrumentation, testing, validation, and performance analysis.
• Support the development, diagnosis, and troubleshooting of BEV and ICE thermal management systems.
• Analyze airflow, coolant flow, heat transfer, and thermal efficiency to improve overall vehicle performance.
• Contribute to HVAC system development, calibration, and validation activities.
• Develop and execute thermal validation plans, including DVP&R documentation and test reporting.
• Conduct vehicle testing in laboratory and real-world environments, including support for drive cycles and thermal validation events.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data using data acquisition systems to evaluate thermal performance.
• Work closely with product engineering, laboratory engineers, and cross-functional teams to resolve thermal-related issues.
• Review cooling system performance and provide technical recommendations for design improvements.
• Track validation activities, communicate project status, and drive issue resolution throughout the product development cycle.
• Support aero/thermal attribute development to improve vehicle energy consumption and driving range.
• Participate in hot-weather testing and other thermal validation activities as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor''s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
• 3+ years of engineering experience in thermal systems, vehicle development, testing, or validation.
• Solid understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, airflow, coolant flow, and vehicle thermal management.
• Experience with vehicle instrumentation, thermal testing, and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of BEV and ICE thermal systems and vehicle energy consumption principles.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with HVAC system development or automotive cooling systems.
• Hands-on experience with vehicle testing, drive cell testing, wind tunnel testing, or thermal validation.
• Familiarity with EPA drive cycles and BEV range optimization.
• Experience working with vehicle validation, DVP&R processes, and engineering test plans.
• Experience collaborating with mechanics, technicians, and manufacturing teams during vehicle testing and development.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to coordinate technical activities across multiple teams.