The Thermal Systems Manager – Vehicle Integration leads the engineering efforts for integrating thermal management systems—including HVAC, battery thermal management, and coolant circuits—into vehicle platforms. This role ensures that thermal systems meet performance, packaging, efficiency, and reliability targets while supporting overall vehicle architecture and manufacturing requirements. The manager directs a multidisciplinary team, collaborates with vehicle integration, powertrain, and body engineering teams, and drives innovation to optimize thermal solutions for current and future vehicle programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and execute integration strategies for thermal management systems within vehicle platforms, focusing on HVAC, battery cooling/heating, and coolant systems.
Lead cross-functional teams to optimize system packaging, interfaces, and performance in line with vehicle architecture and design constraints.
Manage thermal system design reviews, vehicle-level testing, and validation activities to ensure targets for comfort, energy efficiency, and durability are met.
Collaborate with powertrain, electrical, body, and manufacturing engineering to resolve integration challenges and improve system compatibility.
Oversee supplier collaboration and technical support for thermal system components and assemblies.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system robustness, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.
Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources for vehicle integration thermal projects.
Mentor and develop engineering staff, promoting best practices in thermal system integration.
Stay current with emerging technologies, regulations, and industry trends impacting thermal system integration.
Key Focus Areas:
Thermal system integration for HVAC, battery thermal management, and coolant circuits
Cross-functional vehicle engineering collaboration
Packaging optimization and system validation
Supplier coordination and technical partnership
Cost, quality, and reliability improvement initiatives
Project management and team leadership
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field required
Advanced degree preferred
Experience:
8+ years of experience in thermal systems engineering with a focus on vehicle integration
Proven track record managing complex thermal integration projects in automotive or related industries
Experience collaborating with multiple engineering disciplines and suppliers
Technical Skills:
Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, battery thermal management, coolant circuits, and vehicle packaging
Proficiency in thermal system modeling and simulation tools
Familiarity with vehicle architecture, manufacturing processes, and quality standards
Soft Skills:
Effective leadership and team development abilities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously