Lead Engineer, Thermal Systems - HVAC

About the role

The Lead Engineer, HVAC & Refrigerant Systems plays a pivotal role in the design, development, and validation of HVAC and refrigerant systems for Scout Motors' electric vehicle platforms. This role is critical for ensuring that the vehicle meets high standards of cabin comfort, heating, cooling, defrost, defog, and energy consumption.

• Own system-level requirements for cabin comfort, heating, cooling, defrost, defog, and energy consumption.
• Define refrigerant loop architectures, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, chillers, internal heat exchangers, expansion devices, accumulators, valves, and refrigerant plumbing.
• Lead the development and optimization of heat pump systems for electric vehicle applications.
• Serve as the technical expert on refrigerant system performance, diagnostics, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

As the Lead Engineer, HVAC & Refrigerant Systems, you will lead the architecture, design, development, and release of complete automotive HVAC and refrigerant systems. This role involves collaborating with various teams including thermal systems, controls, vehicle integration, electrical, software, and validation teams to deliver world-class climate system performance while maximizing vehicle efficiency and range.

• Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:
  • Leading the architecture, design, development, and release of complete automotive HVAC and refrigerant systems.
  • Defining refrigerant loop architectures, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, chillers, internal heat exchangers, expansion devices, accumulators, valves, and refrigerant plumbing.
  • Leading the development and optimization of heat pump systems for electric vehicle applications.
  • Serving as the technical expert on refrigerant system performance, diagnostics, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• System Design & Integration
  • Develop HVAC system requirements and performance targets for all operating conditions.
  • Collaborate with packaging, vehicle integration, and body engineering teams to optimize HVAC component placement and serviceability.
  • Ensure seamless integration of HVAC systems with battery thermal management, power electronics cooling, and passenger comfort systems.
  • Support component sourcing, supplier selection, and technical reviews with HVAC and refrigerant system suppliers.
• Simulation & Performance Analysis
  • Lead system-level simulation and modeling activities for HVAC and refrigerant loops.
  • Utilize 1D and 3D simulation tools to predict system performance, efficiency, thermal comfort, and energy consumption.
  • Analyze refrigerant cycle performance and identify optimization opportunities to improve vehicle range and climate performance.
  • Validate system models using laboratory and vehicle test data.
• Controls & Functional Development
  • Partner with controls and software teams to develop HVAC control strategies and operating logic.
  • Define functional requirements for compressor control, thermal management modes, cabin conditioning, heat pump operation, and energy optimization.
  • Support calibration and tuning activities to achieve class-leading occupant comfort and efficiency.
  • Ensure proper diagnostics, fault handling, and serviceability considerations are incorporated into system designs.
• Validation & Testing
  • Lead HVAC component and system validation activities from bench testing through vehicle-level evaluation.
  • Develop validation plans covering cooling, heating, heat pump operation, thermal comfort, pull-down, pull-up, defrost, and defog performance.
  • Analyze test results and drive corrective actions when performance targets are not achieved.
  • Support environmental chamber testing, wind tunnel testing, and extreme climate vehicle evaluations.
• Team Leadership
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to HVAC, thermal, and systems engineers.
  • Establish engineering best practices, lessons learned, and design standards for vehicle climate systems.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with thermal systems, battery systems, controls, software, electrical, and vehicle integration teams.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to develop innovative HVAC technologies and resolve technical issues.
  • Support manufacturing and service engineering teams throughout product development and launch activities.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Prepare technical specifications, system requirements, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, test reports, and design documentation.
  • Maintain clear documentation of engineering decisions, design changes, validation results, and lessons learned.
  • Present HVAC system status, risks, and technical recommendations to engineering leadership.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you should possess a strong background in automotive HVAC systems, refrigerant circuit design, heat pump operation, component selection, and system optimization. You should also have experience with refrigerants such as R-1234yf and modern automotive refrigerant technologies, as well as hands-on experience with HVAC testing, validation, and environmental chamber development. Additionally, you should have proven technical leadership and project ownership experience, excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality HVAC and refrigerant systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience developing automotive HVAC, air conditioning, heat pump, or refrigerant-based thermal systems.
• Refrigerant cycle design and optimization.
• Automotive HVAC architectures.
• Heat pump systems.
• Cabin thermal comfort systems.
• Defrost and defog performance.
• Compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion device operation.
• Refrigerant diagnostics and controls.
• Experience with refrigerants such as R-1234yf and modern automotive refrigerant technologies.
• Strong understanding of HVAC controls, calibration, and software integration.
• Experience with thermal system simulation tools such as GT-SUITE, Dymola, Amesim, Simcenter, or similar.
• Hands-on experience with HVAC testing, validation, and environmental chamber development.
• Proven technical leadership and project ownership experience.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches from concept through production is strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience leading HVAC or heat pump system development for EV or hybrid vehicle programs.
• Experience developing integrated thermal management systems that combine cabin HVAC and battery thermal management.
• Knowledge of global refrigerant regulations, safety requirements, and automotive climate system standards.
• Experience working with international suppliers and cross-functional global engineering teams.

What you'll gain

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunity to build products and a company from the ground up.
• Chances to create something new and lasting with an iconic brand at its foundation.
• Access to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Equal opportunity employment.