Thermal Feature Lead

As the Thermal Feature Lead, you will serve as the technical subject matter expert and owner of the end-to-end development of specific thermal features (e.g., manual / auto AC, interior view clearing, solar compensation, heat pump mode transitions, cabin air quality, dual/multi zone HVAC). You will drive the complete lifecycle of these features from initial requirement setting, simulation, system engineering and design, through validation and final vehicle sign-off. You will bridge the gap between design, simulation, software development and testing to optimize for thermal comfort, efficiency and vehicle performance.

This role will ensure an optimized and satisfying customer experience related to Rivian’s Thermal Comfort, Charging and overall Thermal use cases.

Your work will ensure performance targets and customer expectations are met and validated through vehicle program milestones and final Design Verification Plans (DVPs). This role is pivotal in fostering cross-functional alignment and resolving complex engineering challenges related to vehicle level thermal features, performance and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cross functional development of Themal features from initial concept phase through various requirement and feature maturity steps to final evaluation and sign off
• Define user stories and develop initial requirements
• Vehicle and sub system target setting for Thermal features and general use cases
• Timeline planning and time management throughout Thermal feature development
• Support benchmark activities for comprehensive EV market evaluation
• Data analysis for vehicle level testing
• Deep dive into internal and external customer feedback
• Support thermal attribute use case development for all vehicle programs
• Interface with cross-functional teams to align on thermal hardware and control requirements and targets
• Support thermal system architectures development to meet attribute requirements with cross-functional teams such as Studio, Propulsion, Thermal and Controls
• Support Vehicle level testing in wind tunnel, proving grounds and on-road
• Frequent leadership report out to executive management team

Qualifications

• Engineering Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from an accredited University with a strong background in Thermal Science
• 10+ years’ experience with automotive thermal systems and components in OEMs or suppliers
• Strong and Solid understanding of automotive thermal systems especially on customer facing use cases and performance expectations
• Deep knowledge on HVAC and Cabin systems
• Proven track record of problem solving and independent root cause analysis
• Technical program management skills and proven track record of time management
• Thermal chamber/Climatic wind tunnel testing experience is a great plus
• Expert knowledge of HV battery, Electrified Drive unit and Power Electronics is a great plus
• Experience in vehicle engineering and attributes is desired
• Deep knowledge of thermal drive cycles and hand on test experience is a great plus
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skill

Other Information

• Travel: 15%
• Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle