Lead Engineer, Thermal Systems - HVAC

Scout Motors • Novi, MI

20h • $160,000 - $192,500 • Onsite

About The Position

As the Lead Engineer, HVAC & Refrigerant Systems, you will be responsible for leading the design, development, integration, and validation of the vehicle HVAC and refrigerant systems for Scout Motors' electric vehicle platforms. This role will serve as the technical leader for all aspects of cabin climate control, refrigerant loops, heat pump systems, thermal comfort, defrost/defog performance, and HVAC energy management. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in automotive HVAC systems, refrigerant circuit design, heat pump operation, component selection, and system optimization. You will work cross-functionally with thermal systems, controls, vehicle integration, electrical, software, and validation teams to deliver world-class climate system performance while maximizing vehicle efficiency and range.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience developing automotive HVAC, air conditioning, heat pump, or refrigerant-based thermal systems.
• Refrigerant cycle design and optimization
• Automotive HVAC architectures
• Heat pump systems
• Cabin thermal comfort systems
• Defrost and defog performance
• Compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion device operation
• Refrigerant diagnostics and controls
• Experience with refrigerants such as R-1234yf and modern automotive refrigerant technologies.
• Strong understanding of HVAC controls, calibration, and software integration.
• Experience with thermal system simulation tools such as GT-SUITE, Dymola, Amesim, Simcenter, or similar.
• Hands-on experience with HVAC testing, validation, and environmental chamber development.
• Proven technical leadership and project ownership experience.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Valid driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches from concept through production is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience leading HVAC or heat pump system development for EV or hybrid vehicle programs.
• Experience developing integrated thermal management systems that combine cabin HVAC and battery thermal management.
• Knowledge of global refrigerant regulations, safety requirements, and automotive climate system standards.
• Experience working with international suppliers and cross-functional global engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, development, and release of complete automotive HVAC and refrigerant systems.
• Own system-level requirements for cabin comfort, heating, cooling, defrost, defog, and energy consumption.
• Define refrigerant loop architectures, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, chillers, internal heat exchangers, expansion devices, accumulators, valves, and refrigerant plumbing.
• Lead the development and optimization of heat pump systems for electric vehicle applications.
• Serve as the technical expert on refrigerant system performance, diagnostics, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop HVAC system requirements and performance targets for all operating conditions.
• Collaborate with packaging, vehicle integration, and body engineering teams to optimize HVAC component placement and serviceability.
• Ensure seamless integration of HVAC systems with battery thermal management, power electronics cooling, and passenger comfort systems.
• Support component sourcing, supplier selection, and technical reviews with HVAC and refrigerant system suppliers.
• Lead system-level simulation and modeling activities for HVAC and refrigerant loops.
• Utilize 1D and 3D simulation tools to predict system performance, efficiency, thermal comfort, and energy consumption.
• Analyze refrigerant cycle performance and identify optimization opportunities to improve vehicle range and climate performance.
• Validate system models using laboratory and vehicle test data.
• Partner with controls and software teams to develop HVAC control strategies and operating logic.
• Define functional requirements for compressor control, thermal management modes, cabin conditioning, heat pump operation, and energy optimization.
• Support calibration and tuning activities to achieve class-leading occupant comfort and efficiency.
• Ensure proper diagnostics, fault handling, and serviceability considerations are incorporated into system designs.
• Lead HVAC component and system validation activities from bench testing through vehicle-level evaluation.
• Develop validation plans covering cooling, heating, heat pump operation, thermal comfort, pull-down, pull-up, defrost, and defog performance.
• Analyze test results and drive corrective actions when performance targets are not achieved.
• Support environmental chamber testing, wind tunnel testing, and extreme climate vehicle evaluations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to HVAC, thermal, and systems engineers.
• Establish engineering best practices, lessons learned, and design standards for vehicle climate systems.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with thermal systems, battery systems, controls, software, electrical, and vehicle integration teams.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop innovative HVAC technologies and resolve technical issues.
• Support manufacturing and service engineering teams throughout product development and launch activities.
• Prepare technical specifications, system requirements, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, test reports, and design documentation.
• Maintain clear documentation of engineering decisions, design changes, validation results, and lessons learned.
• Present HVAC system status, risks, and technical recommendations to engineering leadership.

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
• Pay Transparency
• Annual performance bonus program

What This Job Offers

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