Design Release Engineer, Thermal Systems

Scout Motors•Novi, MI

1d•$110,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Thermal Systems Design Release Engineer (DRE) is responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of thermal management components and subsystems for vehicle programs. This includes cooling modules, HVAC systems, refrigerant circuits, battery thermal systems, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, lines, and related hardware. The DRE ensures that all components meet OEM performance, durability, cost, quality, manufacturing, and timing requirements from program kickoff through Job 1 and lifecycle support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
3 years’ experience in automotive thermal systems.
Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermal system behavior.
Proficiency with OEM CAD and PLM systems.
Ability to lead component design in a complex OEM environment.
Minimum of High School Diploma, GED or equivalent required for all roles at Scout Motors, Inc.

Nice To Haves

Experience with EV thermal architectures and advanced cooling systems.
Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, and DVP&R.
Knowledge of heat exchanger, pump, valve, and hose manufacturing processes.
Strong supplier management and launch experience.

Responsibilities

Thermal Component & Subsystem Ownership
Serve as the engineering owner (“single point of responsibility”) for assigned thermal hardware within an OEM vehicle platform.
Translate program-level vehicle thermal targets into component specifications and technical requirements.
Maintain system compatibility with vehicle-level architecture, controls, electrical interfaces, and packaging constraints.
OEM Design & Release Execution
Create and maintain CAD models, 2D drawings, specifications, and engineering documents in the PLM system.
Drive part number creation, BOM updates, and engineering releases through all OEM gateway milestones.
Lead design reviews with cross-functional OEM engineering teams.
Supplier and Sourcing Interface
Act as the primary technical lead for supplier interactions, communicating requirements and performance expectations.
Review and approve supplier DFMEAs, DV plans, drawings, and material selections.
Support sourcing activities with Purchasing and track tooling, PPAP, and launch readiness.
Validation & Vehicle Build Support
Develop and execute DVP&R for thermal components.
Support prototype, mule, VFF, and production build phases at facilities.
Resolve issues identified during thermal testing, weather trips, and wind tunnel evaluations.
Quality, Manufacturing, & Launch Readiness
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure designs meet plant requirements.
Support PFMEA, control plan reviews, and PPAP documentation.
Address launch issues such as leaks, NVH, restricted flow, and supplier non-conformances.

Benefits

Competitive insurance including:
Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
401(k) program with:
An employer match and immediate vesting
Generous Paid Time Off including:
20 days planned PTO, as accrued
40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program.
Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience.
The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.