
HVAC & Thermal Engineer
About Pebble
Pebble is a sustainable living startup defining a new way to live, work and explore from anywhere with a 100% electric, hassle-free RV trailer. Built by a team of experts in both automotive and consumer technology, Pebble combines electrification with cutting-edge automotive technology for a travel trailer experience that removes the hassles RV trailer owners have struggled with for decades.
At Pebble, we are building out the future of lighter, more flexible living. We see a world where your home can be anywhere you want to take it. Pebble blends the best of what it means to be at home, on the road, and off-grid into something useful and magical. This is a collective effort. Our team is dedicated to making not just products, but a lifestyle that is truly sustainable.
If the idea of building out the future sparks your imagination and intersects with your skills, we’d love to meet you.
Role Summary
Role: Lead HVAC & Thermal Engineer
Location: Fremont, CA.
We are seeking an experienced thermal engineer to join our dynamic startup in disrupting mobility and living space. With a strong track record of developing and shipping products in the consumer or automotive industries, the ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of thermal fundamentals, HVAC system architectures, and road to production. This individual will be the go-to person for everything thermal related topics at Pebble: from sufficient cooling on electronics and battery to efficient management of cabin comforts throughout the full lifecycles of Pebble electric RV’s. This individual will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, utilizing their expertise to design, develop, and refine products that exceed customer expectations.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute innovative automotive design concepts, from initial concept through to production, using a strong understanding of engineering principles, system integration and manufacturing processes.
- Lead the development of the thermal management system architecture, including the
design of the HVAC system, battery cooling system, and thermal control systems for
powertrain components. - Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, and manufacturing, to first define system requirements, then ensure that designs meet specifications while aligning with project timelines and budget constraints.
- Perform simulation and modeling to optimize the thermal management system design
and ensure that it meets the requirements for vehicle performance, efficiency, and
reliability. - Work closely with suppliers to source and evaluate components, and manage the
integration of the thermal management system into the vehicle. - Lead the development of test plans and oversee the execution of testing to validate the performance of the thermal management system.
- Manage and maintain design documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOM), ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is available for the project team.
- Continuously research and stay informed on emerging trends, technologies, and materials in the automotive industry, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation within the company's product portfolio.
- Lead design reviews, providing constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement to ensure a high level of product quality and functionality.
- Mentor and manage future thermal engineers and collaborate with other teams to
ensure that the thermal management system integrates seamlessly with other vehicle systems.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
- 8-12 years of experience in design and development of thermal management systems, with a proven track record of shipping successful products.
- Experience with simulation and modeling tools.
- Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
- Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
- Familiarity with automotive OEM standards, practices, and tools for thermal systems.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to lead and collaborate
effectively across multiple functions and levels of the organization - Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and present technical information to various audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, startup environment.
- Self-starter, versatile, hands-on and mission driven
- Familiarity with automotive safety and regulatory requirements is a plus.
- Experience with RV is a bonus
Benefits:
Healthcare, Dental, Vision, 401k, Unlimited Discretionary Time Off
Salary Range - Fremont, CA
$143,000 - $183,000 USD
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