Thermal Test Engineer

Insight Global; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to own vehicle-level thermal validation activities, plan and execute thermal sizing and tuning tests, and coordinate instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis to verify performance against models.

You will lead proving-ground and field test events, coordinate environmental and wind tunnel tests, work with Thermal, Controls, and Test teams, and translate test results into actionable recommendations for EV thermal management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or related field.
• 3+ years in vehicle-level, system-level, or thermal validation environments.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience planning instrumented vehicle tests and data acquisition setup.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience translating data into engineering recommendations.
• Background with EV thermal management systems.
• Familiarity with CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet.
• Experience correlating test data to models and simulations.
• Knowledge of thermal tuning and validation methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute thermal sizing and tuning tests.
• Define test plans with objectives, environmental conditions, instrumentation, and data methods.
• Coordinate vehicle readiness, instrumentation, facilities, and DAQ systems.
• Schedule proving-ground and field test events across programs.
• Lead environmental and wind tunnel test activities and data collection.
• Define vehicle instrumentation and ensure accurate data collection.
• Analyze results and communicate risks and actions to teams.
• Collaborate with Thermal, Controls, and Test engineers to meet milestones.

Skills

Thermal validation

Data acquisition

MATLAB

Python

Project management

Instrumentation

Vehicle testing

CAN

Automotive Ethernet

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal)

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal)

Tools

Data Acquisition Systems

Instrumentation

Wind Tunnel Testing

Job description

Job Description

Own vehicle-level thermal validation activities, ensuring the thermal management system meets performance targets under real-world operating conditions.Plan and execute thermal sizing and tuning tests, validating system performance and correlating results against engineering models and simulations.Develop comprehensive test plans including objectives, environmental conditions, instrumentation requirements, data collection methods, and success criteria.Manage test readiness activities by coordinating vehicle availability, instrumentation, facilities, and data acquisition systems before each test event.Schedule and coordinate thermal test vehicles across multiple program priorities and engineering requests.Plan and lead proving-ground and field test events, including logistics, routes, weather conditions, and execution strategies to capture critical thermal performance data.Coordinate environmental chamber, climatic chamber, and wind tunnel testing activities, optimizing facility usage and test matrix execution.Define and oversee vehicle instrumentation, including thermocouples, pressure sensors, flow sensors, and data acquisition systems to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.Analyze, interpret, and communicate test results to engineering and program teams, identifying performance gaps, risks, and recommended actions.Partner closely with Thermal Systems Engineers, Controls Engineers, Thermal Program Managers, and Test Technicians to support validation milestones and program readiness.

Skills and Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, Fluid Sciences, or a related engineering discipline.3+ years of experience in vehicle-level, system-level, or thermal validation and testing environments.Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics as applied to thermal management systems.Experience planning and executing instrumented vehicle tests, including data acquisition setup and thermal instrumentation.Proficiency with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis platforms.Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tests, schedules, facilities, and stakeholders simultaneously.Experience collecting, processing, and translating test data into actionable engineering recommendations.Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.Experience with EV thermal management systems, including batteries, drive units, power electronics, and cabin HVAC systems.Background coordinating climatic chamber, wind tunnel, hot-weather, and cold-weather vehicle testing programs.Familiarity with automotive communication and data logging protocols including CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.Experience correlating physical test data to simulation and system models.Knowledge of thermal system tuning, attribute signoff processes, and validation methodologies within automotive or EV development environments.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [e-mail].