Thermal Engineer

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group is seeking a Thermal Test Engineer to design and execute validation plans for thermal systems in electric vehicles. You will lead hardware validation, test software development, and data-driven investigations across multiple vehicle programs.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, cross-team collaboration, and mentoring junior engineers, with opportunities to influence future thermal designs in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Requires hands-on testing experience in thermal or vehicle systems.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute validation plans.
• Strong debugging and data-analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive hardware validation for thermal management components and subsystems (compressors, A/C lines, heat exchangers, hoses, coolant pumps, HVAC blowers, electronic valves).
• Test, debug, and validate vehicle thermal hardware and firmware at component, system, and full-vehicle levels.
• Write and maintain test software to automate test execution, data collection, and analysis.

Skills

Python

Pytest

Git

CAN communication

C

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Job description

As a Thermal Test Engineer, you will take a leading role in designing and executing comprehensive test plans that validate the performance of thermal systems including battery conditioning, cabin climate control, powertrain cooling, and HVAC components. You will be responsible for shaping validation strategy, driving root cause investigations, and ensuring our systems meet stringent quality and reliability targets in real-world conditions. This role offers the opportunity to work across multiple vehicle programs—from current production to future platforms—and to collaborate closely with design, integration, reliability, manufacturing, and software teams. You will have the autonomy to lead test initiatives, improve methodologies, and mentor junior engineers, while influencing the design of next-generation thermal systems through data-driven insights. We are looking for a highly motivated engineer with strong technical fundamentals, hands-on experience in vehicle or component-level testing, and a passion for problem-solving in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. If you are excited about working at the intersection of innovation and impact, and want to help shape the future of electric vehicles, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive hardware validation efforts for thermal management components and subsystems such as compressors, A/C lines, heat exchangers, hoses, coolant pumps, HVAC blowers, and electronic valves.
• Test, debug, and validate vehicle thermal hardware and firmware at the component, system, and full vehicle levels.
• Write and maintain test software to automate test execution, data collection, and data analysis.
• Manage tests from setup through execution and reporting, including test planning, traceability, development, execution, inspections, root cause analysis, and data processing.
• Ensure test findings are well-documented and quickly communicated to external teams.
• Develop and maintain validation schedules, coordinate test resources, and communicate status/blockers to program managers.
• Actively engage with teams across the organization to seek assistance and propose process enhancements.
• Strong high-level in CAN communication.
• Coding experience with Python, Pytest, Git, and/or C.
• Experience using standard lab and test equipment such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, and temperature sensors.
• Thermodynamics with an understanding of refrigeration and coolant systems.
• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience configuring and maintaining CI/CD pipelines is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with Linux-based development environments and command-line tools.
• Experience working with high voltage and low voltage component validation.
• Experience using controlled environmental chambers for validation tests.
• Familiarity with applying electrical engineering principles to troubleshoot and validate systems.

The team currently consists of three engineers working collaboratively in a dynamic environment. The role involves hands-on work with cutting-edge thermal systems and offers opportunities to engage with various departments within the organization.