Thermal Vehicle Test Technician

Ford Motor Company

. Build, configure, and maintain thermal test setups for full vehicles and components .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeLong Beach • California • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $74,300 - $144,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in building and maintaining thermal test setups, with strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills. Proficient in executing detailed test procedures and analyzing data within automotive and EV thermal systems.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Thermal Test SetupMechanical And Electrical TroubleshootingData Acquisition SystemsAutomotive HVAC SystemsFluid Systems Understanding

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ThermocouplesRTDsPressure TransducersFlow MetersTemperature SensorsHumidity SensorsVoltage SensorsLeak ChecksPressure ChecksVacuum Procedures

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailCommunication SkillsAbility To Work IndependentlyCollaborative Skills

Tools & Technologies

NI LabVIEWNI DAQCANalyzerHand ToolsPower ToolsPlumbing/FittingsTest Fixtures

Industry Keywords

AutomotiveEVThermal SystemsLaboratory TestingManufacturingHigh-Voltage SystemsLiquid-Cooled SystemsCoolant Loops

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Airflow

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build, configure, and maintain thermal test setups for full vehicles and components
Test vehicle HVAC, vehicle components, electric motors, heat pumps, radiators, chillers, and coolant loops
Install and troubleshoot thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, flow meters, temperature and humidity sensors, and voltage/current sensors
Operate thermal walk-in/drive-in chambers, chillers, pumps, heaters, compressors, and other laboratory equipment
Assemble and modify coolant, refrigerant, and airflow loops for testing
Perform leak checks, pressure checks, vacuum procedures, and functional verification
Execute test procedures and maintain accurate test records
Collect and review test data
Troubleshoot thermal system and test equipment issues with engineers
Support instrumentation installation and removal on prototype vehicles and components
Assist with vehicle thermal testing in laboratory and road-test environments
Perform preventative maintenance and calibration checks on test equipment
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe test environment
Follow high-voltage, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and laboratory safety procedures
Document test configurations, procedures, failures, and corrective actions
Communicate test results and issues clearly to engineering teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

2+ years of experience in automotive, EV, thermal systems, laboratory testing, manufacturing, or a related technical field
Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
Ability to read mechanical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation
Experience using standard electrical and mechanical test equipment
Comfortable working with hand tools, power tools, plumbing/fittings, and test fixtures
Basic understanding of temperature, pressure, flow, heat transfer, and fluid systems
Ability to accurately follow detailed test procedures and record test data
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify unexpected test behavior
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with engineers and technicians
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with EVs or high-voltage systems preferred
Experience with liquid-cooled systems and coolant loops preferred
Experience with automotive HVAC or refrigeration systems preferred
Experience with NI LabVIEW, NI DAQ, CANalyzer, or similar data-acquisition systems preferred
Familiarity with CAN/LIN communication and automotive diagnostic tools preferred
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up child care
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and 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 vacation time
Sick/personal time
Paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day