Thermal System DRE
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. Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following: 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.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
- 4 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
- 401(k) program with an employer match and immediate vesting
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
