Job Title: Director – Refrigeration & Heat Pump Systems (Automotive)
Job Summary:
The Director of Refrigeration & Heat Pump Systems is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the design, development, and integration of advanced refrigeration and heat pump technologies within automotive climate control and thermal management systems. This role leads engineering teams to deliver innovative, energy-efficient, and sustainable heating and cooling solutions that support vehicle performance, passenger comfort, and regulatory compliance. The director drives cross-functional collaboration, supplier partnerships, and continuous improvement initiatives to meet evolving market and environmental demands.
Key Responsibilities:
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Develop and execute the engineering strategy for refrigeration and heat pump systems in automotive applications, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
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Lead the design, development, and integration of heat pump units, compressors, refrigerant circuits, condensers, evaporators, and control systems.
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Manage multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers to deliver robust thermal management solutions.
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Oversee testing, validation, and durability programs for refrigeration and heat pump systems to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance.
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Collaborate with vehicle integration, powertrain, HVAC, and battery teams to optimize system packaging and energy use.
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Drive initiatives to reduce refrigerant charge, improve system COP (Coefficient of Performance), and enhance overall energy efficiency.
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Ensure compliance with automotive refrigerant regulations, environmental standards, and safety requirements.
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Partner with suppliers and manufacturing to optimize component cost, quality, and supply chain resilience.
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Manage budgets, resources, and timelines for refrigeration and heat pump engineering programs.
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Mentor engineering leaders and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
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Represent refrigeration and heat pump engineering in senior management meetings and strategic planning sessions.
Key Focus Areas:
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Strategic leadership in automotive refrigeration and heat pump system engineering
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Multidisciplinary team leadership and talent development
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Design, integration, and validation of heat pump and refrigeration systems
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Energy efficiency, refrigerant management, and sustainability initiatives
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Cross-functional collaboration for vehicle integration and thermal management
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Supplier partnerships and cost optimization
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Program and budget management
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, HVAC, or related field required
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Master’s degree or MBA preferred
Experience:
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12+ years of experience in refrigeration, heat pump, or HVAC system engineering in automotive or related industries
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5+ years in leadership roles managing complex engineering programs and teams
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Proven success delivering advanced thermal management solutions for vehicles
Technical Skills:
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Deep understanding of refrigeration cycles, heat pump technology, refrigerants, and system controls
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Experience with system simulation, thermal modeling, and hardware validation
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Knowledge of automotive packaging constraints, NVH considerations, and safety standards
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Familiarity with environmental regulations governing refrigerants and emissions
Soft Skills:
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Executive leadership and strategic thinking
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Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management
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Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
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Ability to lead innovation and foster high-performance teams