General Motors

Staff/Thermal System Architect

General Motors • $110K — $130K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluids Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years in thermal systems engineering for automotive or related industries
  • Proven technical depth in thermal engineering with the ability to evaluate and challenge system architectures
  • Strong communication and influencing skills for cross-organizational alignment
  • High level of interpersonal skills for effective teamwork
  • DFSS Black Belt Certification

Responsibilities

  • Champion cross-commodity integration for cohesive vehicle-level thermal performance
  • Own thermal system integration for active thermal domains through early development phases
  • Lead creative problem solving for complex thermal performance conflicts
  • Guide analytical tools use to evaluate design alternatives
  • Ensure accurate documentation of technical decisions and risks
  • Provide support and technical direction in key integration forums
  • Lead benchmarking to identify enhancement opportunities in thermal systems

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with flexibility
  • Opportunity for professional training and development
  • Access to advanced engineering tools and methodologies
  • Participation in innovative vehicle development projects
  • Collaboration with global teams and experts in the field
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role

The Staff Thermal System Architect and Thermal System Architect primary responsibilities are to provide technical leadership and guidance for the development and integration of the thermal system inclusive of propulsion, cabin and vehicle thermal management. In these roles, you will be responsible for configuration of all thermal components, ensuring alignment with defined strategies, criteria compliance, and program specific desires. Candidates must be knowledgeable of all internal and external components of the thermal system and how they work together to deliver with quality the performance requirements set per the vehicle level technical specifications. They must drive a consistent design execution across all platforms while balancing subsystem level tradeoffs, studio and program "wins".

Candidates must hold selves and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely and cost-effective results, without compromising integrity, safety or quality. Be proficient at communication and leading an indirect global team maintaining connection via well-organized and efficient system review forums. These roles require a leader who can think creatively under pressure, make sound technical and business decisions with incomplete information, work calmly in a highly ambiguous and frequently changing program portfolio, and influence across organizations to protect vehicle-level thermal performance, customer experience, and program imperatives. Candidates must be comfortable providing technical presentations to internal, program and cross functional leadership.

What You'll Do

Technical
  • Champion cross-commodity integration (Thermal, HVAC, PTC, Aero, Structures, Propulsion, Controls, Energy, Calibration) to deliver cohesive vehicle-level thermal performance.
  • Own and drive thermal system integration for active thermal domains (coolant and refrigerant loops, HVAC, Propulsion Cooling, airflow, thermal protection of sensitive components) through early architecture and development phases.
  • Lead the team in creative problem solving for complex thermal performance conflicts. Proficient use of trade matrices (performance vs. cost, mass, energy, packaging), to enable proper leadership decision making especially under compressed timing.
  • Guide use of analytical tools and methods (e.g., 0D/1D/3D analysis, simulation, virtual builds, sensitivity studies) to rapidly evaluate alternatives and recommend data-driven solutions.
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of technical decisions, risks, and mitigations in GM systems (e.g., VTS tools, GDM, peer review records).
  • Provide consistent support in CITs, SDITs, VCITs and VPITs. Emphasize technical direction within these forums.
  • Lead program specific thermal system benchmarking, evaluating competitor designs, performance, and integration strategies, identifying opportunities to enhance performance, efficiency, integration and cost-effectiveness in our system.
  • Ensure robust handoffs from AVD to execution teams with clear VTS, system mechanisms, thermal load cases, and lessons learned.


8th Level System Architect (in addition to above)
  • Champion architectural cross-commodity integration (Thermal, HVAC, PTC, Aero, Structures, Propulsion, Controls, Energy, Calibration) to deliver cohesive vehicle-level thermal performance.
  • Drives improvements that impact business results, creates and drives organizational opportunities.
  • Anticipates issues for self and others, encourages bold, pioneering approaches, and applies strategic thinking.
  • Mentors the team in creative problem solving for complex thermal performance conflicts. Proficient use of trade matrices (performance vs. cost, mass, energy, packaging), to enable proper leadership decision making especially under compressed timing.


Leadership and Communication
  • Lead cross-functional teams to resolve highly complex technical issues, leveraging advanced research, benchmarking and available knowledge base. Aligning with Chief Architect, ETL and tech specialists for consistent strategy and efficiency.
  • Build relationships with design studio staff, integration team and program leadership, providing an open mind and a vision for what could be while keeping the customer in the center of design decisions
  • Coordination and communication of engineering criteria and performance glidepaths with Integration team (VMA's/CAM's/SAM's, studio) to streamline the design process and support Studio design with minimal rework.
  • Supporting and encouraging DREs to be bold in speaking up and defending their designs.
  • Collaborate with VSEs, EGM's, DRE's, ETL, Virtual Analysis, LDE, Manufacturing and Program Team to ensure key program deliverables are met
  • Effectively facilitate meetings and publish necessary documentation for clarity and alignment


8th Level System Architect (in addition to above)
  • Leads by example, challenges others to greater integrity, and drives adaptability, encouraging resilience and early adoption.
  • Effective communication with minimal leadership intervention and adds persuasion and influence to align stakeholders with organizational goals.
  • Mentoring DREs to be bold in speaking up and defending their designs and criteria.


Your Skills & Abilities
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluids Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
  • Minimum of 5+ years in thermal systems engineering for automotive or related industries, including significant exposure to:
    • HVAC and cabin comfort
    • Coolant and refrigerant loops
    • Underhood/underbody airflow and thermal protection of sensitive components
    • Active Aero
    • Energy management and thermal interactions with propulsion systems
  • Proven technical depth in thermal engineering, with the ability to review and challenge system architectures, performance analysis, and identify disruptive technology.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills, including ability to simplify complex thermal topics for non-experts and gain alignment across organizations
  • High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
  • DFSS Black Belt Certification


What Will Give You a Competitive Edge
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • Working knowledge of GM engineering processes and tools (e.g., VTS/SSTS/CTS/SOR, VDP, peer reviews, GDM, GMW standards) or equivalent experience in a structured OEM environment.
  • Advanced vehicle development (AVD) experience, or other related exposure to the AVD processes and deliverables, and proven ability to work in the AVD environment
  • Experience with global or multi-region programs, including coordinating with geographically distributed teams and suppliers.
  • Working Knowledge of 1D thermodynamic and 3D CFD Analysis
  • Knowledge of GM program timing system and VDP deliverables
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.The selected candidate will be required to travel

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at General Motors

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Staff/Thermal System Architect jobs:

NationwideWarren, MI