HVAC Design Release Engineer
Help Shape the Next Generation of Vehicle Thermal Systems
We're seeking an HVAC Design Release Engineer to lead the design, development, and release of critical refrigerant loop components for future vehicle programs. In this role, you'll own components from concept through production while working alongside suppliers, manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to deliver high-performing automotive HVAC systems.
If you're passionate about thermal systems, enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, and want to see your designs come to life on production vehicles, we'd love to connect with you.
What You'll Do
- Lead the design, development, validation, and release of automotive HVAC refrigerant loop components, including compressors, A/C lines, and valves.
- Own assigned components throughout the entire product development lifecycle—from concept through production launch.
- Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, powertrain, thermal, and body engineering teams to achieve program timing and performance goals.
- Develop engineering specifications, source packages, requirements, engineering change notices, and technical documentation.
- Create and maintain DFMEA and DVP&R documentation.
- Analyze test results from bench testing, simulation, drive-cell, and vehicle testing to identify issues and implement corrective actions.
- Coordinate CFD and FEA activities to optimize component performance.
- Support prototype, pilot, and pre-production vehicle builds at local assembly plants.
- Lead technical discussions and drive decisions across cross-functional teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
- 2+ years of automotive HVAC, refrigerant system, compressor, A/C line, or thermal system engineering experience.
- Strong understanding of automotive HVAC systems and thermodynamics.
- Experience with Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
- Experience creating and maintaining Design Verification Plans & Reports (DVP&R).
- Proficiency with CATIA and/or Siemens NX (Unigraphics).
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead projects and collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Engineering.
- Experience supporting automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
- Design Release Engineer (DRE) experience.
- Experience with electric compressors, chillers, EV thermal management systems, or engine cooling.
- Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).
- Experience supporting prototype, pilot, or production vehicle builds.
- Familiarity with CFD and FEA analysis.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate has hands-on automotive HVAC or thermal systems experience and enjoys taking ownership of complex engineering projects. You'll be comfortable working directly with suppliers, leading technical discussions, supporting vehicle launches, and driving components from initial concept through successful production.
