Thermal Management Engineer

Thermal Management Engineer

Location:

Sterling Heights, MI

Employment Type:

Full-Time |

Hours:

40 hrs/week, Mon–Fri (occasional overtime as needed)

You will support the design, development, and release of heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) subsystems for advanced vehicle platforms. This role is critical to ensuring thermal performance, reliability, and integration across powertrain, electronics, and crew cabin systems. You’ll collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams and suppliers to deliver high‑quality, mission‑ready solutions.

• Design and develop mechanical and thermal HVAC subsystems for power pack, electronics, and crew cabin applications
• Derive vehicle‑level performance requirements and develop engineering design specifications
• Perform fluid flow analyses to size and optimize thermal distribution systems
• Develop alternative design concepts and support trade studies
• Select, integrate, and validate HVAC components and subsystems
• Track and manage weight, cost, thermal, and power allocations
• Develop and maintain Technical Data Packages (TDPs); release drawings per Engineering Release Plans
• Prepare and support technical documents including SOWs, ICDs, and RFP‑related materials
• Manage supplier technical progress, evaluate proposals, and provide design oversight
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities; create test plans and reports
• Investigate and resolve production, supplier, or field‑related technical issues
• Prepare technical reports and present findings at formal design reviews

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in thermal or mechanical engineering roles
• Strong understanding of mechanical and thermal engineering principles
• Experience supporting prototype and/or production build activities
• Ability to travel up to 20% to other facilities or installations
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
• U.S. citizenship required due to government contract requirements

• Experience with Teamcenter and Vis Mockup
• Prior experience with ground combat or military vehicle platforms
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. security clearance
• Experience working in confined spaces or around large vehicle systems
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies

• May require occasional evening or weekend overtime
• Role includes hands‑on work in laboratory and vehicle environments
• Must be able to meet physical requirements for working on and around vehicles

• Exciting, research‑driven projects with real‑world impact
• Opportunities for ongoing learning and career development
• Competitive perks and incentives tailored to each contract position

Contract Professionals, Inc. (CPI), founded by an Air Force veteran, is an award‑winning talent solutions company connecting top talent with leading employers in defense, aerospace, and mobility industries.