Hardware Thermal Simulation Engineering Intern

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

. Build and run thermal simulations using CFD and conduction models to evaluate cooling performance of vehicle electronic hardware .

Posted 10/9/2026internshipChampaign • Illinois • United StatesEntry Level💰 $35 - $40 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in thermal simulations and analysis, utilizing CFD and conduction models to optimize cooling performance for vehicle electronics. Proficient in collaborating with cross-functional teams and automating analysis processes using scripting and AI tools.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CFD SimulationThermal AnalysisHeat TransferFluid MechanicsScripting Automation

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Thermal SimulationHeat TransferFluid MechanicsThermal Interface MaterialsCooling ConceptsThermal Reliability AssessmentData AnalysisMaterial SelectionLab Measurement TechniquesResearch in Thermal Management

Soft Skills

CollaborationDocumentationPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

FlothermAnsys IcepakStar-CCM+FluentAI Tools

Industry Keywords

Electronics CoolingThermal ManagementAutomotive ElectronicsReliability AnalysisFailure Analysis

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and run thermal simulations using CFD and conduction models to evaluate cooling performance of vehicle electronic hardware
Support development of electronics cooling and packaging concepts, including heat sinks, thermal interface materials, and enclosure layouts
Explore design trade-offs that reduce mass, cost, and material usage while meeting thermal targets
Analyze thermal stack-ups and material choices and summarize findings as recommendations for design engineers
Support thermal reliability assessments using mission profile data and IC package temperature limits
Automate repetitive analysis and post-processing tasks using scripting
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and reliability engineers
Document methods, results, and learnings and present them to the team at the end of the internship
Work on a real project supporting cooling and packaging of electronics in next-generation vehicles
Work with an experienced engineer on how thermal simulation informs automotive electronics hardware design decisions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
Coursework or project experience in heat transfer and fluid mechanics
Familiarity with numerical simulation software
Ability to use AI tools such as Claude/Gemini to write and debug scripts, automate analysis and post-processing, and verify AI-generated output against engineering fundamentals
Must be located in Champaign, IL and able to work out of the office in the Research Park
Hands-on experience with a CFD or thermal simulation tool such as Flotherm, Ansys Icepak, Star-CCM+, Fluent, or similar (preferred)
Exposure to electronics cooling concepts such as heat sinks, fans, thermal interface materials, or IC package thermal behavior (preferred)
Experience with lab measurement techniques such as thermocouples, IR imaging, and flow measurement (preferred)
Interest in reliability, failure analysis, or validation methods (preferred)
Research, publications, or thesis work in thermal management, heat transfer, or a related area (preferred)
Availability from January 11, 2027 to August 13, 2027
Must be authorized to work for an employer in the United States

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base salary
Equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and applicable vesting requirements
Health coverage
Retirement savings
Time off
Family planning programs
Accessible hiring process and disability accommodations
Optional interview recording consent; opting out does not impact candidacy