Automotive Thermal and HVAC Control Engineer

Glydways; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Glydways in California is seeking an Automotive Thermal and HVAC Control Engineer to analyze requirements, develop control algorithms for thermal systems and HVAC cabin comfort, and work with software teams to implement and test these algorithms.

You will validate using simulation tools, HIL, and real-world testing, perform 1‑D thermal architecture analyses, optimize energy efficiency, and document specifications, tests, and results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with control system development tools such as Dymola, MATLAB/Simulink, or Python.
• Knowledge of automotive HVAC systems, thermal management components, and sensors.
• Experience with PID or other feedback control.
• Familiarity with CAN bus and embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze system requirements for automotive thermal management and HVAC systems.
• Design and develop control algorithms for thermal systems, including HVAC cabin climate control.
• Collaborate with software developers to translate algorithms into functional code.
• Validate and test control algorithms using simulation tools, HIL, and real-world testing environments.
• Conduct 1D thermal architecture analyses (Dymola preferred).
• Provide feedback for thermal system architecture optimization and improvement.
• Optimize system performance for energy efficiency, reliability, and occupant comfort.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and resolve issues in thermal system performance.
• Document technical specifications, test plans, and results.

Skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Dymola

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

CAN bus

Job description

Who we are:

Glydways is reimagining what public transit can be. We believe that mobility is the gateway to opportunity—connecting people to housing, education, employment, commerce, and care. By making transportation more accessible, affordable, and sustainable, we empower communities to thrive and unlock economic and social prosperity.

Our mission is to revolutionize transit with a solution that delivers high capacity, exceptional user experiences, unmatched affordability, and minimal environmental impact.

The Glydways system is a groundbreaking network of carbon‑neutral, interconnected transit pathways powered by standardized autonomous vehicles on dedicated roadways. Operating 24/7 with on‑demand access, it offers personalized and efficient mobility—without the burden of heavy upfront infrastructure costs or ongoing taxpayer subsidies.

With Glydways, we’re building more than a transportation system; we’re creating a future where everyone, everywhere, has the freedom to move.

We are seeking an Automotive Thermal and HVAC Control Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will focus on analyzing requirements, developing algorithms to control thermal systems and HVAC cabin systems, and collaborating with software developers to implement and test these algorithms. This role is critical in ensuring optimal vehicle thermal management and cabin comfort.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Analyze system requirements for automotive thermal management and HVAC systems.
• Design and develop control algorithms for thermal systems, including HVAC cabin climate control.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, to translate algorithms into functional code.
• Validate and test control algorithms using simulation tools, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and real-world testing environments.
• Conduct thermal architecture analysis using 1 dimensional modeling techniques (Dymola preferred).
• Provide feedback for thermal system architecture optimization and improvement.
• Optimize system performance for energy efficiency, reliability, and occupant comfort.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and resolve issues in thermal system performance.
• Document technical specifications, test plans, and results.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with control system development tools such as Dymola, MATLAB/Simulink, or Python.
• Knowledge of automotive HVAC systems, thermal management components (e.g., compressors, heat exchangers), and sensors.
• Experience with developing thermal control systems using PID or other types of feedback control.
• Experience with thermal power modeling, including simulating and predicting energy usage in different operating conditions
• Familiarity with CAN bus communication protocols and embedded systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience with electrified vehicle thermal systems (e.g., battery cooling/heating) preferred
• Hands-on experience with HIL testing or virtual calibration techniques preferred

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment in California is expected in the range below:

$180,000-230,000 USD plus stock options, commensurate with experience

Glydways provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.