Thermal Test Engineer

Actalent; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Thermal Test Engineer in Fremont, CA, to lead hardware validation for thermal systems including battery conditioning and HVAC components. You will design test plans, drive root-cause investigations, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with design, reliability, and software teams.

This hands-on role emphasizes data-driven validation and fast-paced problem-solving. The ideal candidate has vehicle/component testing experience, strong thermodynamics knowledge, and

Qualifications

• Experience with hardware validation for thermal management components.
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and refrigeration systems.
• Hands-on testing of vehicle or component-level systems.
• Ability to write test software and automate data collection.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive hardware validation for thermal components and subsystems.
• Test, debug, and validate thermal hardware and firmware at multiple levels.
• Write and maintain test software to automate execution and data analysis.
• Manage tests from planning through reporting with traceability.
• Document findings and communicate status to teams, program managers.

Skills

CAN communication

Python

PyTest

Git

C

Lab equipment

Thermodynamics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

Power supplies

DAQs

Pressure transducers

Flow meters

Temperature sensors

Job description

Job Title: Thermal Test Engineer

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 programsfrom current production to future platformsand 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.

Essential Skills

• 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.

Work Environment

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.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fremont, CA.

Pay and Benefits

• The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $59.00/hr.
• Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.
• Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fremont, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fremont,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.