Design Release Engineer, Thermal Systems

Scout Motors • Novi, MI

12h • $110,000 - $135,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again. But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work. The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range. At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion. Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now! Overview 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level