Thermal Vehical Test Technician

Ford Motor • Long Beach, CA

9d • $74,300 - $144,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Motor Company is seeking an experienced Vehicle Thermal Test Technician to support the development, testing, and validation of thermal systems for electric vehicles. The technician works closely with thermal, mechanical, and software engineers to build test setups, perform laboratory operations, test vehicle components, collect data, and troubleshoot thermal-system performance. This hands-on role turns engineering designs into validated hardware and provides engineers with reliable test data to improve EV thermal-system performance.

The position involves thermal testing of full vehicles and components in laboratory and road-test environments, including HVAC systems, electric motors, heat pumps, radiators, chillers, and coolant loops. The technician installs and troubleshoots instrumentation, operates laboratory equipment, maintains and calibrates test equipment, documents test work, and follows established safety procedures. The position is hybrid and requires onsite work four or more days per week.

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 accurately follow detailed test procedures 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.

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 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 childcare.
• 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 between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed