Thermal System Engineer

Spheros Group; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance pay

Career development

Flexible work models

Flat hierarchies

Innovative environment

Job summary

Spheros is seeking an Application System Engineer for our North America team in Elkhart, Indiana. You will oversee system architecture for truck refrigeration, collaborate with global design teams, and drive validation through hands-on testing and structured DVPR processes.

Five years in transport refrigeration engineering, strong DFMEA discipline, and the ability to travel as needed are essential. SAP experience and ERP familiarity, plus collaboration with Sales and Production, are important

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; 5+ years of direct transport refrigeration engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee engineering activities and system architecture for truck and semi-trailer refrigeration products.
• Lead collaboration with global offshore design teams.
• Manage localization projects with project management support.
• Define system-level thermodynamic, mechanical, and electrical requirements for refrigeration units.
• Guide component integration with various chassis and vehicle power architectures.
• Perform hands-on testing, charging, and prototype lab work on refrigeration loops.
• Develop and execute DVP&R test plans at internal and external facilities.
• Travel to customer locations, testing facilities, and international sites as needed.
• Handle ECRs, BOMs, and product releases in SAP.
• Provide technical support to Sales, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Service teams.
• Evaluate competitors and industry trends for improvements in energy efficiency and reliability.

Skills

Project leadership

Thermodynamics

Mechanical design

DFMEA

Root-cause analysis

Data analysis

Technical communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Google Workspace

Modeling software

Job description

Spheros is a global technology company and market leader in the development and production of innovative solutions for heating systems, air conditioning and refrigeration technology, as well as intelligent regulation and control systems. We are a partner of the international commercial vehicle industry. Our teams operate worldwide in eleven countries at 12 locations, where they develop and produce cutting-edge technology actively shaping the future of urban mobility. An open and constructive working atmosphere and the opportunity to contribute ideas characterize us as a employer.

Job Title: System Engineer

Department: R&D

Hierarchical Manager: Engineering Manager

Location: Elkhart, Indiana

Spheros is a global technology company and market leader in the development and manufacture of thermal management solutions for all city buses, coaches and refrigerated transport fleets. We are looking for an Application System Engineer to join our Spheros North America team in Elkhart, Indiana.

Your challenges….

• Oversee all engineering activities and system architecture for truck and semi-trailer refrigeration products.
• Lead technical collaboration and align design deliverables with global offshore design engineering teams.
• Manage refrigeration localization projects in close coordination with and supported by the project management team.
• Define system-level thermodynamic, mechanical, and electrical requirements for refrigeration units, compressors, evaporators, condensers, and control interfaces.
• Guide component integration and ensure unit compatibility with various truck chassis, trailer bodies, and vehicle power architectures.
• Conduct hands-on testing, charging, and prototype lab work on refrigeration loops and systems, with support from the Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer.
• Develop and execute test plans (DVP&R) at internal and external test facilities to validate refrigeration capacity, pull-down performance, airflow distribution, and component durability across diverse ambient conditions.
• Travel to customer locations, testing facilities, and international sites as required for application development, testing, and engineering support.
• Handle Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), manage Bills of Materials (BOMs), and maintain product releases within the company’s ERP system (SAP).
• Provide high-level technical support to Sales, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Field Service teams for complex refrigeration troubleshooting and customer applications.
• Evaluate competitor benchmarks and industry trends to drive continuous product improvements in energy efficiency, refrigerant compliance, and system reliability.

Let's Talk About You….

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Refrigeration Engineering, or a related technical field is required, along with at least 5 years of direct engineering experience in truck and semi-trailer transport refrigeration engineering.
• Design and evaluate transport refrigeration systems to meet cooling capacity, energy efficiency, cargo temperature, and operating requirements across fresh, frozen, and multi-temperature applications.
• Size, select, and integrate refrigeration components, ensuring compatibility, reliable operation, and appropriate refrigerant and oil management.
• Collaborate on system controls, operating sequences, sensors, protective functions, and vehicle interfaces; interpret refrigeration schematics and electrical diagrams.
• Develop test plans and acceptance criteria, select instrumentation, analyze test data, and verify system performance against product requirements.
• Apply DFMEA, structured root-cause analysis, and other engineering methods to identify risks, resolve laboratory and field failures, and verify corrective actions.
• Use engineering calculations, supplier performance data, modeling software, and data analysis tools to support design decisions and product improvements.
• Evaluate and qualify suppliers, alternate components, and localized designs for performance, reliability, compatibility, and cost.
• Support production readiness, product launch, installation, serviceability, technical documentation, and field validation throughout the product lifecycle.
• Work with compliance specialists to address applicable product, refrigerant and market requirements, and maintain appropriate certification for assigned refrigerant-handling work.
• Evaluate and integrate electric refrigeration, variable-speed systems, vehicle communications, and lower-GWP refrigerants, including their effects on energy consumption, compatibility, and safety.
• Familiarity with project management principles and experience leading localization or product adaptation projects in collaboration with a project management team.
• General & Operational Requirements:
• Ability to travel occasionally to customer sites, testing facilities, and internationally as needed.
• Familiarity with business ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Google applications.
• Strong interpersonal and technical communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. on a regular basis and valid US driver’s license.

Why Spheros

• Monetary. Performance-related salary package
• Career development. Scope to develop your own ideas as well as professional and personal development opportunities worldwide.
• Flexibility. Working models that harmonize your professional and private life.
• Setting. Flat hierarchies and modern working methods provide you with an innovative working environment.
• Future. Together we work on the trend topics of tomorrow's mobility.

Ready to tackle the challenges of the vehicle of the future? Join Spheros and revolutionize the comfort and well-being of all passengers!

Schedule

Full time

Employee Status

Regular

Join us and be part of our team.

More information on Spheros: https://spheros.com/