Thermal Test Engineer (tesla, Fremont, CA)

Thermal Test Engineer

As a Thermal Test Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing and executing comprehensive test plans to validate the performance of thermal systems, including battery conditioning, cabin climate control, powertrain cooling, and HVAC components. You will be responsible for shaping validation strategies, driving root cause investigations, and ensuring systems meet stringent quality and reliability targets. This position offers the opportunity to work across multiple vehicle programs and 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.

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, including the debugging and validation of testing equipment and systems.
• Write and maintain test software to automate test execution, data collection, and analysis. Optimize test setups and infrastructure to drive continuous improvements.
• Manage tests from setup through execution and reporting, including planning, traceability, development, execution, inspections, root cause analysis, and data processing.
• Ensure test findings are well-documented and communicated promptly to external teams, working with design and software partners, failure analysis labs, and reliability teams to arrive at corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain validation schedules, coordinate test resources, and communicate status and blockers to program managers.
• Engage actively with teams across the organization to seek assistance, identify tools, and propose process enhancements to elevate testing setups and validation processes.

Essential Skills:

• Strong technical fundamentals in thermal testing and vehicle or component-level testing.
• Experience in automotive or similar embedded systems environments.
• Coding experience with Python, Pytest, Git, and/or C.
• Hands-on experience with hardware and past test engineering experience.
• Knowledge of CAN communication, including network configuration, integration, and troubleshooting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Thermodynamics with an understanding of refrigeration and coolant systems.
• Experience using standard lab and test equipment such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, and temperature sensors.
• Experience configuring and maintaining pipelines to support continuous integration processes.
• 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.

Work Environment:

The team currently consists of three engineers, offering a collaborative and fast-paced work environment. You will work with advanced technologies and have the opportunity to influence the design of future vehicle platforms. This role supports innovation and impact, contributing to the future of electric vehicles.

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. 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)

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Fremont, CA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 26, 2025.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.