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Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT SLATE At Slate, we're building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize ... Thermal Systems Engineer Intern to lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced ...

ABOUT SLATE At Slate, we're building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize ... Thermal Systems Engineer Intern to lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced ...

The Thermal Systems Design Release Engineer (DRE) is responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of thermal management components and subsystems for vehicle programs. This ...

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Safey I Quality I Customer Obsession I Speed I Agility Position Overview GTI Energy is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical and thermal system design for enclosed industrial ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Support vehicle and engine thermal system development and stage testing as well as flight ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field * 5+ years experience in thermal analysis

Thermal Engineer (Mid)

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching ... Collaborate with subsystem engineers to design and optimize thermal control systems for avionics ...

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Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$43.5K

$104.5K

$167.5K

How much do vehicle thermal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle thermal systems engineer in the United States is $104,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineer vs Powertrain Engineer?

AspectVehicle Thermal Systems EngineerPowertrain Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing thermal management systems for vehicle componentsDeveloping powertrain components like engines and transmissions
Required SkillsThermal analysis, fluid dynamics, HVAC systemsEngine performance, combustion, drivetrain systems
Work EnvironmentAutomotive R&D, testing labs, simulationEngine testing, vehicle integration, simulation
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, EV companiesAutomotive, heavy machinery, aerospace

Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineers focus on managing heat within vehicles, ensuring efficient cooling and heating systems. Powertrain Engineers concentrate on engine and transmission development. While both roles require engineering credentials and work in automotive environments, their core responsibilities differ significantly, making each specialized in distinct vehicle systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software like ANSYS or GT-SUITE, as well as experience with CAD tools and thermal testing equipment, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and addressing complex thermal challenges. These skills ensure optimal vehicle performance, energy efficiency, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineers when integrating new vehicle models?

Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as packaging constraints within tighter engine compartments, balancing performance with energy efficiency, and meeting stringent regulatory requirements for emissions and safety. Integrating new technologies, like electric drive systems or advanced HVAC, requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including design, electrical, and manufacturing. Successfully addressing these challenges involves innovative problem-solving, effective communication, and staying updated on the latest industry standards and technologies.

What does a Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineer do?

A Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing the systems that manage temperature within vehicles, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and cooling systems for engines and batteries. They ensure that these systems operate efficiently to maintain passenger comfort and protect vehicle components from overheating or freezing. Their work involves collaborating with other engineering teams, using simulation tools, and optimizing thermal management for both conventional and electric vehicles.
Infographic showing various Vehicle Thermal Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,528 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Thermal Systems Engineer

Thermal Systems Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Long Beach, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we're all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?


Ford's Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company's vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You'll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

In this position...
Join our dynamic and agile team pioneering Ford's EV future. As a Thermal Systems Engineer focused on the coolant subsystem, you will be responsible for the "circulatory system" of our electric passenger vehicles. Your work is vital to vehicle safety, longevity, and efficiency, as you design the systems that regulate the temperature of the high-voltage (HV) battery, drive units, power electronics, and other components. You will balance complex trade-offs between system performance, energy consumption, and cost to ensure peak performance in all use cases.

You'll have...

Bachelor's or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

3+ years of experience in thermal system design or component engineering. ย 

Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics principles.

Experience with physical system modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, GT-SUITE, etc.).

Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages for model development.

Even better, you may have...
Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.

Experience with EV thermal management systems.

Familiarity with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN) for controlling smart pumps and valves.

Strong collaborative skills to work across hardware and software teams in a fast-paced EV development environment.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.


For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSRSP4

This position is a range of salary grades 6-8 .

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid #LI-JD2 #UEV

What you'll do...

You will lead the design, development, and integration of fluid-based thermal management loops. ย 

Lead the architecture, design, and development of coolant subsystems that interact with HV battery, drive unit, power electronics, refrigeration, and HVAC components.

Define detailed thermal and hydraulic performance specifications for individual components (e.g., pumps, valves, heat exchangers, fans, hoses, degas bottles, etc.) within the coolant subsystem.

Work with application engineers to evaluate and select appropriate components based on performance requirements, cost, packaging constraints, and reliability targets.

Develop, calibrate, and maintain high-fidelityplant models that accurately simulate thermal and hydraulic behavior of the subsystem's components.

Conduct detailed thermal and fluidic analysis to ensure components meet specified performance targets under various operating conditions.

Collaborate with test engineers to define and execute component and subsystem characterization tests to validate and refine plant models.

Work closely with the Design Engineers to ensure component designs meet thermal and mechanical requirements, and with the Controls Engineer who will use the plant models for algorithm development.

Ensure traceability between high-level system requirements and detailed component specifications.


Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982