Thermal Vehical Test Technician
About The Position
Ford’s Product Creation and Industrialization organization brings together vehicle, electric, digital, and design teams with its global manufacturing system to develop vehicles, software, and customer experiences. The Thermal Vehicle Test Technician supports development, testing, and validation of electric-vehicle thermal systems, working closely with thermal, mechanical, and software engineers. The technician builds test setups, performs laboratory operations, tests vehicle components, collects data, and troubleshoots system performance. This hands-on role turns engineering designs into validated hardware. It involves setting up and operating thermal tests, troubleshooting unexpected results, and providing engineers with reliable data to improve EV thermal-system performance. The position is hybrid, with an onsite requirement of four or more days per week. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of experience in automotive, EV, thermal systems, laboratory testing, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to read mechanical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
- Experience using standard electrical and mechanical test equipment.
- Comfort working with hand tools, power tools, plumbing/fittings, and test fixtures.
- Basic understanding of temperature, pressure, flow, heat transfer, and fluid systems.
- Ability to follow detailed test procedures accurately and record test data.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify unexpected test behavior.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with engineers and technicians.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with EVs or high-voltage systems.
- Experience with liquid-cooled systems and coolant loops.
- Experience with automotive HVAC or refrigeration systems.
- Experience with NI LabVIEW, NI DAQ, CANalyzer, or similar data-acquisition systems.
- Familiarity with CAN/LIN communication and automotive diagnostic tools.
Responsibilities
- Build, configure, and maintain thermal test setups for full vehicles and components.
- Test vehicle HVAC systems, vehicle components, electric motors, heat pumps, radiators, chillers, and coolant loops.
- Install and troubleshoot instrumentation, including thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, flow meters, temperature and humidity sensors, and voltage/current sensors.
- Operate thermal walk-in and drive-in chambers, chillers, pumps, heaters, compressors, and other laboratory equipment.
- Assemble and modify coolant, refrigerant, and airflow loops for testing.
- Perform system leak checks, pressure checks, vacuum procedures, and functional verification.
- Execute test procedures and maintain accurate test records.
- Collect and review test data.
- Work with engineers to troubleshoot thermal-system and test-equipment issues.
- Support installation and removal of instrumentation on prototype vehicles and components.
- Assist with vehicle thermal testing in laboratory and road-test environments.
- Perform preventative maintenance and calibration checks on test equipment.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe test environment.
- Follow established high-voltage, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and laboratory safety procedures.
- Document test configurations, procedures, failures, and corrective actions.
- Communicate test results and issues clearly to engineering teams.
Benefits
- Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
- Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
- Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
- Tuition assistance.
- Employee resource groups.
- Paid time off for individual and team community service.
- Vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including time between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
