Lead Engineer, Thermal Systems - HVAC

Job Description

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, and design documentation.
• Maintain clear documentation of engineering decisions, design changes, validation results, and lessons learned.
• Present HVAC system status, risks, and technical recommendations to engineering leadership.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC or Novi, Michigan.
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
• Travel: Applicants should expect periodic domestic and international travel to support suppliers, testing activities, and engineering collaboration. Valid driver’s license required.

What you’ll bring

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here’s what else you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience developing automotive HVAC, air conditioning, heat pump, or refrigerant-based thermal systems.
• Refrigerant cycle design and optimization
• Automotive HVAC architectures
• Heat pump systems
• Cabin thermal comfort systems
• Defrost and defog performance
• Compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion device operation
• Refrigerant diagnostics and controls
• Experience with refrigerants such as R-1234yf and modern automotive refrigerant technologies.
• Strong understanding of HVAC controls, calibration, and software integration.
• Experience with thermal system simulation tools such as GT-SUITE, Dymola, Amesim, Simcenter, or similar.
• Hands-on experience with HVAC testing, validation, and environmental chamber development.
• Proven technical leadership and project ownership experience.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches from concept through production is strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience leading HVAC or heat pump system development for EV or hybrid vehicle programs.
• Experience developing integrated thermal management systems that combine cabin HVAC and battery thermal management.
• Knowledge of global refrigerant regulations, safety requirements, and automotive climate system standards.
• Experience working with international suppliers and cross-functional global engineering teams.

What you’ll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $160,000.00 - $192,500.00

Internal leveling code: IC7

Notice to applicants:

• To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity

Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law.Scout Motors is committed to compliance with allapplicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected].