Lead Engineer, Thermal Systems - HVAC

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again. But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work. The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range. At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion. Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now! Position Overview   As the Lead Engineer, HVAC & Refrigerant Systems, you will be responsible for leading the design, development, integration, and validation of the vehicle HVAC and refrigerant systems for Scout Motors' electric vehicle platforms. This role will serve as the technical leader for all aspects of cabin climate control, refrigerant loops, heat pump systems, thermal comfort, defrost/defog performance, and HVAC energy management.   The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in automotive HVAC systems, refrigerant circuit design, heat pump operation, component selection, and system optimization. You will work cross-functionally with thermal systems, controls, vehicle integration, electrical, software, and validation teams to deliver world-class climate system performance while maximizing vehicle efficiency and range.   What you’ll do Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following: HVAC & Refrigerant System Leadership   Lead the architecture, design, development, and release of complete automotive HVAC and refrigerant systems.   Own system-level requirements for cabin comfort, heating, cooling, defrost, defog, and energy consumption.   Define refrigerant loop architectures, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, chillers, internal heat exchangers, expansion devices, accumulators, valves, and refrigerant plumbing.   Lead the development and optimization of heat pump systems for electric vehicle applications.   Serve as the technical expert on refrigerant system performance, diagnostics, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.   System Design & Integration   Develop HVAC system requirements and performance targets for all operating conditions.   Collaborate with packaging, vehicle integration, and body engineering teams to optimize HVAC component placement and serviceability.   Ensure seamless integration of HVAC systems with battery thermal management, power electronics cooling, and passenger comfort systems.   Support component sourcing, supplier selection, and technical reviews with HVAC and refrigerant system suppliers.   Simulation & Performance Analysis   Lead system-level simulation and modeling activities for HVAC and refrigerant loops.   Utilize 1D and 3D simulation tools to predict system performance, efficiency, thermal comfort, and energy consumption.   Analyze refrigerant cycle performance and identify optimization opportunities to improve vehicle range and climate performance.   Validate system models using laboratory and vehicle test data.   Controls & Functional Development   Partner with controls and software teams to develop HVAC control strategies and operating logic.   Define functional requirements for compressor control, thermal management modes, cabin conditioning, heat pump operation, and energy optimization.   Support calibration and tuning activities to achieve class-leading occupant comfort and efficiency.   Ensure proper diagnostics, fault handling, and serviceability considerations are incorporated into system designs.   Validation & Testing   Lead HVAC component and system validation activities from bench testing through vehicle-level evaluation.   Develop validation plans covering cooling, heating, heat pump operation, thermal comfort, pull-down, pull-up, defrost, and defog performance.   Analyze test results and drive corrective actions when performance targets are not achieved.   Support environmental chamber testing, wind tunnel testing, and extreme climate vehicle evaluations.   Team Leadership   Provide technical leadership and mentorship to HVAC, thermal, and systems engineers.   Establish engineering best practices, lessons learned, and design standards for vehicle climate systems.   Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.   Cross-Functional Collaboration   Work closely with thermal systems, battery systems, controls, software, electrical, and vehicle integration teams.   Collaborate with suppliers to develop innovative HVAC technologies and resolve technical issues.   Support manufacturing and service engineering teams throughout product development and launch activities.   Documentation & Reporting   Prepare technical specifications, system requirements, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, test reports,