Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer

Rivian•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in underhood thermal performance and integration. You will own front-end airflow requirements, vehicle-level Active Grille Shutter (AGS) strategy, overall underhood thermal performance, and final vehicle-level validation for all vehicle programs. With your expertise and experience, you will link vehicle-level thermal and charging performance requirements to underhood airflow volume and temperature targets. You will work with cross-functional teams to drive the design of front-end openings, AGS, duct optimization, sealing, and ORFM. Your work will ensure performance targets are met and validated through program milestones and final Design Verification Plans (DVPs). This role is pivotal in fostering cross-functional alignment and resolving complex engineering challenges related to thermal optimization and vehicle efficiency.

Requirements

Engineering Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from an accredited University with a strong background in Thermal Science
10+ years of experience with automotive thermal attributes, systems, and components at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier
Expert-level understanding of vehicle AGS, airflow duct and ORFM at both system and vehicle levels.
Strong fundamentals of heat-transfer and thermodynamic devices like heat exchangers, compressors, valves, pumps, fans, and heaters along with their subsystem and system- level interactions.
Hands-on experience on automotive airflow measurement with Torrington or similar devices.
Experience with CFD software and simulation (Element, Powerflow, StarCCM+, Fluent)
Experience with 1D simulation tools such like GT Suite, Matlab / Simulink
Proven track record of problem solving and independent root cause analysis
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skill
Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle

Nice To Haves

Knowledge on HVAC and Cabin systems is a plus
Knowledge and experience on brake cooling is a plus
Thermal chamber/Climatic wind tunnel testing experience is a great plus
Expert knowledge of HV battery, Electrified Drive unit and Power Electronics is a great plus
Deep knowledge of thermal drive cycles and hand on test experience is a great plus
Experience in vehicle engineering and attributes is desired

Responsibilities

Lead vehicle level thermal benchmark activities with a focus on front end design, AGS strategy, airflow, and thermal architecture
Drive the overall integration of front-end and underhood thermal performance with stakeholders in Design Studio, Aerodynamics, Thermal Engineering, and Controls.
Establish front-end airflow targets using a deep understanding of thermal system architecture to ensure all charging and performance goals are met.
Interface with cross-functional teams to develop and align on coherent vehicle level AGS strategies to meet targets from all related vehicle attributes, e.g., performance, efficiency, stone protection
Responsible for underhood thermal DVPs for both stationary and dynamic cases on both airflow volume and temperature requirements
Data analysis for vehicle level testing especially on ORFM airflow, temperature pickup, front end air-recirculation, etc.
Work with cross-functional simulation teams to review 3D CFD and 1D vehicle simulation results
Collaborate with 1D thermal simulation teams to further improve the accuracy of front- end heat exchanger performance
Support Vehicle level testing in wind tunnel