Role Summary
As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will be the subject matter expert driving the complete lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes, from initial target setting through final vehicle sign-off. Your deep technical expertise in thermal management systems, particularly heat pump operations and efficiency optimization, will be crucial in achieving performance goals. You will leverage strong analytical skills, including advanced simulation and data analysis, and a collaborative mindset to lead the development and execution of robust thermal attribute arbitration strategies. Your work will ensure performance targets are met and validated through vehicle program milestones and final Design Verification Plans (DVPs). This role is pivotal in fostering cross-functional alignment and resolving complex engineering challenges related to vehicle level thermal performance and efficiency.
Responsibilities
Vehicle and sub system target setting for Thermal use cases
• Lead benchmark activities for comprehensive EV market evaluation
• Develop vehicle thermal arbitration strategies with deep understanding of thermal
system fundamentals such as refrigerant system operation, i.e., control, system health
and limitations
• Optimize vehicle level thermal performance with balancing key design dimensions: front-
end airflow, coolant loops, cabin and heat pump systems including
• Optimize heat pump efficiency through analysis and mid-ambient operation efficiency
• Data analysis for vehicle level testing especially on refrigerant systems performance and
health
• Perform vehicle level thermal simulations for DOE studies, sensitivity studies, and what-
if questions
• Support thermal attribute use case development for all vehicle programs
• Interface with cross-functional teams to align on thermal HW and Control requirements
and targets
• Support thermal system architectures development to meet attribute requirements with
cross-functional teams such as Studio, Propulsion, Thermal and Controls
• Support Vehicle level testing in wind tunnel, proving grounds and on-road
• Correlation model/simulation with wind tunnel and on-road test results
• Physics based refrigerant loop system evaluation and deep dives
Qualifications
Engineering Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited University with a strong
background in Thermal Science
• 10+ years' experience with automotive thermal systems and components in OEMs or
suppliers
• Strong and Solid understanding of automotive thermal systems especially on refrigerant
systems and heat pumps and systems interactions
• Knowledge on HVAC and Cabin systems
• Strong fundamentals of heat-transfer and thermodynamic devices like heat exchangers,
compressors, valves, pumps, fans, and heaters along with their subsystem and system-
level interactions
• Proven track record of problem solving and independent root cause analysis
• Thermal chamber/Climatic wind tunnel testing experience is a great plus
• Expert knowledge of HV battery, Electrified Drive unit and Power Electronics is a great
plus
• Experience in vehicle engineering and attributes is desired
• Deep knowledge of thermal drive cycles and hand on test experience is a great plus
• Hands-on experience with 1D simulation tools such like GT Suite, Matlab/Simulink
• Working knowledge of programming languages, including MATLAB, C, or Python is a plus
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skill
• Travel: 25%
• Must have a valid driver's license in the state of residence that you will be
driving/operating a vehicle
Pay Disclosure
Salary Range/Hourly Rate for California Based Applicants: $154,000.00 - $192,500.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.
