Sr Staff Engineer, HVAC + Thermal Systems

Aptera Motors Corp

Carlsbad (CA)

On-site

USD 180,000 - 280,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Market-competitive pay

Benefits for employee and dependents

Job summary

Aptera Motors Corp seeks a Senior Staff Engineer, HVAC & Thermal Systems in California to lead thermal architecture and system development for its solar EV platform. You will define and execute a thermal strategy to keep occupants comfortable while protecting battery, powertrain and electronics for ultra-low energy consumption.

You will own system requirements, lead CFD/1D/3D modeling, conduct climate chamber tests, and drive cross-functional integration with battery, body and electrical teams

Qualifications

15+ years of automotive HVAC/thermal engineering experience.
Deep expertise in vehicle HVAC and thermal architecture, including battery thermal management.
Proven track record leading thermal system design from concept through production launch.
Hands-on CFD and thermal simulation experience; climate chamber testing.

Responsibilities

Lead design, development, and validation of HVAC and thermal systems for the solar vehicle platform.
Define thermal architecture strategy balancing energy efficiency, range and comfort.
Own system requirements, specs, and performance targets from concept to production.
Lead CFD and 1D/3D modeling to predict and optimize performance.
Plan HVAC validation, climate tests, and real-world verification.
Collaborate with battery, powertrain, body, and electrical teams to integrate thermal systems.
Manage suppliers for compressors, heat exchangers, refrigerant systems, and heat pumps.
Provide mentorship to junior engineers and drive root-cause analysis of issues.
Ensure compliance with automotive thermal and refrigerant safety standards.
Maintain BOM documentation for HVAC/thermal systems.

Skills

HVAC & Thermal Systems

Thermal architecture

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Climate chamber testing

CFD/thermal simulation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CATIA V6

CFD software

3D modeling

Job description

Title

is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

is built on transparency, ethical treatment of one another, a bias for action, and leading by example.

About the role

Aptera is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer, HVAC & Thermal Systems to lead thermal architecture and HVAC system development for our solar electric vehicle. In this role, you'll define and execute the thermal strategy that keeps our vehicle's occupants comfortable and its battery, powertrain, and electronics running efficiently, all while protecting the ultra-low energy consumption that makes Aptera's solar vehicle possible .

What you'll do

Lead the design, development, and vehicle validation of HVAC and thermal management systems for Aptera's solar vehicle platform, including battery thermal management (all systems), cabin climate control, and power electronics cooling
Define thermal architecture strategy that balances energy efficiency, range, and occupant comfort, a critical trade-off given the vehicle's ultra-aerodynamic, solar-charging design
Own thermal system requirements, specifications, and performance targets from concept through production
Lead HVAC calculations and simulation work (CFD, 1D/3D modeling) to predict, validate, and optimize system performance ahead of physical testing
Plan and lead HVAC system validation and thermal programs, including climate chamber testing, hot/cold weather development, and real-world performance verification
Partner cross-functionally with battery, powertrain, body, and electrical teams to integrate thermal systems into the overall vehicle architecture
Select and manage relationships with HVAC and thermal component suppliers, including compressors, heat exchangers, refrigerant systems, and heat pumps
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level HVAC and/or thermal engineers
Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of thermal-related field and test issues
Ensure HVAC system designs comply with relevant automotive thermal and refrigerant safety standards
Maintain accurate HVAC and thermal systems documentation within the vehicle's Build of Materials (BOM)

Qualifications

15+ years of relevant experience in automotive HVAC, thermal systems, or thermal management engineering
Deep expertise in vehicle HVAC systems and thermal architecture, including battery thermal management systems for electric vehicles
Proven track record leading thermal system design from concept through production launch
Strong background in CFD and thermal simulation tools
Hands-on experience with climate chamber and physical thermal validation testing
Experience with HVAC systems and its major components and technologies
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, working closely with battery, powertrain, and body engineering teams
Demonstrated technical leadership and mentorship of engineering teams
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex thermal engineering concepts for cross-functional stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with solar-integrated or ultra-high-efficiency vehicle platforms
Experience designing HVAC systems specifically optimized for range extension in EVs
Proficient with CATIA V6 or similar automotive CAD/simulation tools
Experience working in a startup or fast-paced product development environment
Patents, publications, or conference contributions in automotive thermal management

Team Structure