Thermal Test Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Own the planning, readiness, and execution of vehicle-level thermal testing .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeLong Beach • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $138,800 - $232,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in vehicle-level thermal testing, including planning, execution, and data analysis. Proficient in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics, with strong organizational skills to manage multiple test events and facility constraints.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Thermal TestingData AnalysisThermal InstrumentationThermodynamicsVehicle Communication Protocols

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Thermal TestingData AnalysisThermal InstrumentationThermodynamicsHeat TransferFluid DynamicsData AcquisitionTest PlanningTest ExecutionAttribute Signoff

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

MATLABPythonEnvironmental ChamberWind TunnelData Logging

Industry Keywords

Vehicle Thermal SystemsEV Thermal ManagementProving-Ground TestingDVP&RCANLINAutomotive Ethernet

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the planning, readiness, and execution of vehicle-level thermal testing
Deliver data that validates system sizing/tuning and closes attribute signoff
Plan and execute vehicle-level tests against thermal system targets, correlating results to system models
Develop comprehensive thermal test plans with objectives, conditions, instrumentation, and success criteria
Drive readiness of vehicles, facilities, and data systems before each test event
Manage allocation and scheduling of thermal test vehicles across competing program needs
Plan and coordinate test trips and proving-ground events, including logistics, timing, routes/conditions, and on-site execution
Book and coordinate environmental/climatic chamber and wind-tunnel time
Sequence test matrices to use constrained facility capacity efficiently
Define and oversee vehicle thermal instrumentation, including thermocouples, pressure/flow sensors, and data acquisition
Process, analyze, and report test results to program stakeholders
Flag risks to targets and support resulting decisions
Collaborate with subsystem owners, Controls Engineers, test technicians, and the Thermal Technical Program Manager

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related thermal/fluid sciences discipline
3+ years of experience in vehicle- or system-level thermal testing, validation, or a related test engineering role
Solid understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics as applied to vehicle thermal systems
Experience planning and executing instrumented vehicle tests, including data acquisition setup and thermal instrumentation
Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent) for processing and interpreting test data
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple test events, schedules, and facility constraints in parallel
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (preferred)
Experience with EV thermal management systems (battery, drive unit, power electronics, and cabin HVAC) (preferred)
Experience coordinating climatic chamber, wind-tunnel, and/or hot- and cold-weather proving-ground testing (preferred)
Familiarity with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet) and data logging from vehicle networks (preferred)
Experience with attribute signoff or requirements-verification processes (e.g., DVP&R) (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time
Visa sponsorship available