The Director of HVAC Systems Engineering leads the strategic development, design, and integration of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for automotive platforms. This role is responsible for overseeing multi-disciplinary engineering teams to deliver innovative, reliable, and efficient climate control solutions that meet regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and manufacturing standards. The director drives continuous improvement in HVAC performance, thermal management, and sustainability while collaborating closely with product development, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Define and execute the HVAC engineering strategy and roadmap for current and future automotive platforms, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and compliance.
Lead the design, development, and integration of HVAC systems including compressors, evaporators, condensers, blowers, ducting, controls, and thermal management components.
Manage cross-functional engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers, ensuring alignment with product goals and timelines.
Oversee HVAC system testing, validation, and durability programs to ensure performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Drive collaboration with suppliers, vendors, and manufacturing partners to optimize component selection, cost, quality, and supply chain robustness.
Ensure compliance with automotive HVAC regulations, emissions standards, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce HVAC system weight, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
Coordinate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless HVAC system packaging, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control, and overall vehicle thermal comfort.
Develop and manage budgets, resource allocation, and project schedules for HVAC engineering programs.
Mentor and develop engineering leadership talent to build a high-performing HVAC systems team.
Represent HVAC engineering in cross-functional senior management meetings and communicate technical status, risks, and opportunities.
Key Focus Areas:
Strategic leadership and innovation in automotive HVAC systems engineering
Cross-disciplinary team management and development
HVAC system design, integration, and validation
Supplier collaboration and component optimization
Regulatory compliance and sustainability leadership
Budgeting, resource planning, and program management
Continuous improvement in HVAC system efficiency and performance
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related technical discipline required
Master’s degree or MBA preferred
Experience:
12+ years of experience in automotive HVAC or thermal management systems engineering
5+ years in a leadership role managing engineering teams and complex programs
Proven track record delivering HVAC system programs from concept to production
Technical Skills:
Deep knowledge of HVAC system components, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and control systems
Experience with automotive HVAC system simulation, testing, and validation methods
Familiarity with vehicle integration challenges including NVH, packaging, and thermal comfort
Strong understanding of regulatory requirements such as refrigerant standards, emissions, and safety
Soft Skills:
Executive leadership and strategic thinking capabilities
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence enterprise-wide decisions
Strong problem-solving and decision-making under complex technical and business conditions