HVAC Design Release Engineer
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Employment Type: Contract - Full Time
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced HVAC Design Release Engineer to support the development, validation, and production release of automotive HVAC compressors and A/C lines. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring assigned components and subsystems meet performance, quality, cost, and timing objectives while coordinating closely with cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, and vehicle assembly operations.
This position will work closely with Powertrain, Body-in-White (BIW), Aero/Thermal, Engine Cooling, suppliers, and manufacturing teams throughout the component development and launch process.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, validation, and release of automotive HVAC compressors and A/C lines.
- Develop and maintain engineering source packages, specifications, requirements, change notices, and other technical documentation.
- Coordinate component development activities with cross-functional engineering organizations and external suppliers.
- Manage suppliers to ensure engineering deliverables, timing, quality, and performance objectives are achieved.
- Develop and maintain Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R) documentation.
- Support component and subsystem bench testing, simulation, drive-cell testing, and static-cell testing.
- Review and analyze test and engineering data to identify issues, determine root causes, and establish appropriate corrective actions.
- Lead or coordinate virtual engineering teams performing CFD and FEA analysis to validate component designs and meet performance requirements.
- Support Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities.
- Participate in design reviews, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement activities.
- Coordinate engineering changes and ensure timely implementation of design updates.
- Support pilot and pre-production vehicle builds at the assembly plant, including development and installation of A/C lines and compressors.
- Troubleshoot component and installation issues identified during vehicle builds and validation testing.
- Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve design, quality, and launch issues.
- Maintain accurate engineering records and ensure component development documentation remains current.
- Communicate technical status, risks, issues, and corrective actions to engineering leadership and cross-functional teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, from an ABET-accredited university.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in automotive HVAC compressor and/or A/C line design and development.
- Related automotive design/development experience in engine cooling, thermal management, or aero-thermal systems will also be considered.
- Strong working knowledge of Siemens NX/Unigraphics and CATIA.
- Experience with DFMEA and DVP&R.
- Basic knowledge of thermodynamics.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-analysis skills.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard PC applications.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results within program timing.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and suppliers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with e-compressors, chillers, EV thermal systems, or other electrified vehicle components.
- Experience with Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).
- Automotive HVAC system engineering experience.
- Automotive assembly plant experience.
- Previous experience as an A/C Line Design and Release Engineer.
- Experience with CFD and FEA analysis.
- Experience supporting vehicle pilot and pre-production builds.
- Experience with supplier development and technical issue resolution.
- Strong understanding of automotive thermal management systems and vehicle-level HVAC integration.
Core Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong mechanical/electrical engineering fundamentals
- Automotive component development and design-release experience
- HVAC and thermal systems knowledge
- DFMEA and DVP&R expertise
- CAD proficiency with CATIA and NX
- Strong supplier and project management skills
- Data-driven problem solving
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Self-motivation and ability to work in a fast-paced program environment
Work Environment
This position is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and requires collaboration with engineering teams, suppliers, testing facilities, and vehicle assembly operations. The engineer may be required to support vehicle build events, testing activities, and program milestones as needed.
