Thermal Engineering Specialist

Ford Motor • Long Beach, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters. Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. In this position... About the Role: We are seeking a skilled engineering technician for the Advanced Electric Vehicle group to support ongoing and future testing activities. You will bridge the gap between facility management and active product testing, ensuring that test stands and equipment are calibrated, safe, and operational. You will execute critical test procedures, manage lab logistics, and support the rapid prototyping of unique test setups to validate next-generation electric vehicle thermal systems.

Requirements

• A.S. Degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 2+ years of experience in a testing, laboratory, or workshop environment.
• 2+ years of experience with NI data acquisition (DAQ) hardware and software.
• Experience with hands-on electrical work, including soldering, harness building, or instrumentation.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Experience with managing a lab space or substantial lab assets.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with automotive thermal systems (cooling, refrigerant, HVAC).
• Experience with high-voltage EV systems and safety protocols.
• Proficiency with rapid prototyping methods (3D printing, machining, or fixture building).
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and lab safety standards (OSHA/EHS).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for generating test reports.
• An eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment where you are part of a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day lab operations: o Lead lab upkeep and general maintenance to ensure a clean and efficient workspace. o Manage inventory of parts and test equipment, monitoring and ordering consumables as necessary (refrigerant, coolant, gloves, etc.). o Track and maintain calibration of equipment and maintain equipment usage and maintenance logs. o Help enforce safety and EHS guidelines on the lab floor to ensure a compliant work environment.
• Support testing activities: o Execute test cases on benches or vehicles when given test procedures and compile test reports at the completion of test execution. o Assist in the writing and maintenance of test procedures. o Serve as the point of contact for instrumentation of benches and vehicles. o Understand and operate all DAQ software and equipment. o Support flashing of software on benches and vehicles.
• Support unique test setups and instrumentation: o Facilitate new one-off test setups (airflow testing, component testing, temporary modifications to existing stands, etc.). o Support the modification of parts and equipment for one-off instrumentation and testing. o Build and maintain DAQ boxes for vehicle and bench testing, following schematics from TEs. o Coordinate rapid prototyping of test fixtures and hardware.
• Support test stand operations: o Lead the initial bring-up of new stands and the upkeep of existing test stands. o Support modification and upgrade campaigns for testing facilities. o Diagnose electrical issues when necessary and support one-off requests for jumpers, harness checks, and instrumentation splicing. o Maintain the database tracking part changes and pedigree on test stands.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree