PACCAR

Senior/Lead Thermal CFD Simulation Engineer (GR 31)

PACCAR$104K — $162K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of engineering experience
  • 5+ years of CFD & Thermal Analysis experience
  • Experience in automotive, aerospace, electronics cooling, HVAC, or similar industries
  • Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and numerical methods
  • Proficient in CFD modeling and tools like STAR-CCM+, Fluent, TAITherm
  • Familiarity with CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Responsibilities

  • Perform 3D thermal and CFD analysis for exhaust and aftertreatment systems
  • Predict heat loss and temperature behavior under various load conditions
  • Evaluate DEF system thermal behavior and related CFD needs
  • Develop design recommendations for insulation, heat shields, and exhaust routing
  • Support concept-phase architecture studies and design review sensitivity studies
  • Correlate simulation with validation data and build a knowledge base
  • Create engineering guidelines for thermal management strategies

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and 401k with up to 5% company match
  • Fully funded pension plan with monthly retirement benefits
  • Comprehensive paid time off including vacation and sick leave
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and families
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts
  • Paid short-and long-term disability program
  • Life and accidental death insurance
  • Access to EAP services including wellness and financial counseling
  • Opportunities for professional growth in a Fortune 500 company
Full Job Description
Requisition Summary

The PACCAR Technical Center is seeking an experienced Thermal and CFD Engineer for aftertreatment, exhaust, and underbody thermal management to drive innovation in heavy-duty truck development. In this role, you'll partner directly with Kenworth and Peterbilt engineering teams to predict design viability, validate concepts through simulation-to-test correlation, and translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations.

Job Functions / Responsibilities

  • Perform 3D thermal and CFD analysis for exhaust and aftertreatment systems
  • Predict heat loss, pressure drop, underhood and underbody temperatures, under various load cases
  • Evaluate DEF system thermal behavior, including doser, hoses, tank interfaces, and filling-related CFD needs
  • Develop design recommendations on:
    • insulation strategy
    • heat shields
    • component clearances
    • exhaust routing geometry
    • bracket/structure thermal protection
    • thermal zone definition
  • Support concept-phase architecture studies, DFMEA inputs, and comparative A/B trade studies
  • Conduct quick-turn sensitivity studies and simulation reruns to support design reviews
  • Correlate simulation with test/validation data and help build a reusable simulation-to-validation knowledge base
  • Develop simulation methodologies for underhood and underbody simulations
  • Create engineering guidelines and best practices for clearance, shielding, and thermal protection
  • Work cross-functionally with packaging, reliability, validation, plant support, and warranty teams


Qualifications

  • 7+ years of engineering experience
  • 5+ years of CFD & Thermal Analysis experience
  • Experience in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics cooling, HVAC, battery thermal management, or other relevant industries
  • Comprehension of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and numerical methods
  • Expertise in CFD modeling, including meshing, solver setup, boundary conditions, and post-processing
  • Skilled in CFD/thermal tools such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, TAITherm
  • Experience with CAD tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and technical reporting skills
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills for working with design, testing, and manufacturing teams


Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, MS or PhD preferred.

Paccar Benefits

As a U.S. PACCAR employee, you have a full range of benefit options including:
  • Competitive salary and 401k with up to a 5% company match
  • Fully funded pension plan that provides monthly benefits after retirement
  • Comprehensive paid time off - Minimum of 10 paid vacation days, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings account (HSA)
  • Paid short-and long-term disability program
  • Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • EAP services including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more
  • Global Fortune 500 company with a wide array of growth and development opportunities
  • Work alongside experienced goal-oriented colleagues recognized as experts in their field


Additional Job Board Information

PACCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability. At PACCAR, we value talent and promote growth and development. We carefully consider numerous compensation factors, including your education, training, or experience. The salary range for Senior/Lead CFD Simulation Engineer is $104,100- $162,900 annually. Additionally, this role is eligible for a full range of benefit options listed above. This is also eligible for a holiday gift.

About PACCAR

PACCAR Careers

Join the PACCAR team today and be part of a global leader known for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry. At PACCAR, we offer a range of job opportunities that allow you to put your skills to work in a dynamic environment that fosters growth, leadership, and professional development.

Work You’ll Do

At PACCAR, we believe in empowering our employees to drive their career paths with robust support and resources. Engage in challenging projects that not only enhance your skills but also contribute to groundbreaking innovation and sustainable practices in the truck manufacturing industry.

Explore PACCAR’s Diverse Opportunities

Whether you're looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, PACCAR has a place for you. Our team is composed of dedicated professionals who bring their unique perspectives and skills to the table every day. We are committed to diversity and provide comprehensive diversity training to ensure an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.

Innovate and Lead

Join a company that is at the forefront of the transportation sector, where innovation leads to real-world solutions and market leadership. PACCAR is not just about trucks; it's about technological advancements that revolutionize how the world moves.

Grow and Develop

PACCAR is deeply invested in the professional growth of its employees. With access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, our team members enjoy unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and skill enhancement through continuous learning and development programs.

Benefits and Culture

PACCAR’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and excellence. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the well-being of our employees and their families. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we provide the benefits that contribute to a healthy and secure future.

Join Our Team

Discover the wide range of employment opportunities at PACCAR. From engineering to sales, and from supply chain management to customer service, your next career step could be just around the corner. We are actively hiring and looking for ambitious individuals who are ready to make an impact.

Networking and Professional Development

At PACCAR, networking and professional development are part of our DNA. Connect with leaders and peers within the company through various networking events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Enhance your resume and interview skills through our tailored career development sessions and become a prime candidate for advancement within the company.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at PACCAR by joining our career network. Receive personalized job alerts and insider tips that match your interests and skills. Explore the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at PACCAR.

Search PACCAR Jobs

Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions that align with your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to contribute to our legacy of quality and innovation.

Join PACCAR—where your career journey aligns with outstanding innovation and a thriving company culture.

Learn more about PACCAR
Size
28,500 employees
Market Cap
$34.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1905
5 Year Trend
+6.7%
Revenue
$18.7 billion
NASDAQ

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