Thermal Test Engineer, Early Career Program

Ford Motor Company

. Support planning, readiness, and execution of component, bench, subsystem, and vehicle-level thermal tests .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeLong Beach • California • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in thermal testing and data analysis, with proficiency in Python or MATLAB for processing experimental data. Familiarity with EV thermal management concepts and hands-on experience in laboratory settings are essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

ThermodynamicsHeat TransferFluid MechanicsPython ProgrammingTest Automation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Thermal TestingData AcquisitionExperimental MethodsInstrumentationTest Fixture DesignStatistical AnalysisMeasurement UncertaintyTest Automation ToolsVersion-Controlled CodeEnvironmental Testing

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

MATLABLabVIEWGitCATIA V6CAN ProtocolLIN ProtocolAutomotive Ethernet

Industry Keywords

EV Thermal ManagementBattery Thermal ManagementPower Electronics CoolingCabin HVACClimatic Wind Tunnel Testing

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support planning, readiness, and execution of component, bench, subsystem, and vehicle-level thermal tests
Support thermal lab operations, including test fixture build-up, equipment readiness, and safe, efficient test execution
Support development of automated test sequences for repeat, durability, and reliability cycles, including monitoring and safe shutdown behavior
Instrument test articles and vehicles with thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, and related sensors
Support data acquisition setup, checkout, and calibration
Process, analyze, and visualize test data in Python
Assist with environmental chamber, climatic wind tunnel, and proving-ground test events
Prepare test matrices and collect data on site
Document test plans, procedures, and results
Present findings to stakeholders
Support physical validation of Ford's next-generation EV thermal management systems

Requirements

What you’ll need

Pursuit of a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related thermal/fluid sciences discipline
Strong foundational knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
Hands-on laboratory experience with experimental methods, instrumentation, and data acquisition
Proficiency with Python or MATLAB for processing, analyzing, and plotting experimental data
Strong organizational skills and ability to support multiple test events and schedules in parallel
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
Must be able to dedicate 6 months for this engagement
Familiarity with EV thermal management concepts, including battery thermal management, power electronics and drive unit cooling, and cabin HVAC
Experience with environmental or climatic testing
Experience with test automation tools and scripting such as Python or LabVIEW
Familiarity with CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet protocols and vehicle-network data logging
Exposure to test fixture design and CAD software such as CATIA V6
Working knowledge of measurement uncertainty, design of experiments, and statistical analysis of test data
Experience with readable, reusable, version-controlled code and Git
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

6-month Early Career Program
$5,000 pre-tax relocation stipend for eligible candidates living 50+ miles away
High level of involvement with an exceptional team of industry innovators and visionaries
Meaningful contribution to breakthrough work
Skills development supporting future career pursuits