Chief Thermal Architect

Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role:

The Chief Thermal Architect is a recognized and respected technical leader, responsible for architecting, developing and strategically integrating advanced underhood, underbody, and cabin thermal systems. This role is pivotal for ensuring GM remains at the forefront of thermal systems performance and efficiency. You will collaborate with Cabin Comfort, Propulsion, Electrical, Chassis and Systems Engineering teams, as well as several Performance Integration teams, Design Studio and various support areas. You will be responsible to lead development of thermal solutions that optimize performance and efficiency, integrate new technology, reduce cost and mass, operate reliably, enhance vehicle capability, and enable vehicle assembly and service.

What You’ll Do

Perform very early new program architecting, including:

develop optimum thermal architecture for the program

determine proper BOM solutions and promote any new technology insertion as appropriate

establish vehicle criteria to enable thermal system performance

establish preliminary thermal system sizing

identify significant architectural sizing concerns

Provide initial cost estimates and PCS picks for early AVD Studies

Work with architects from other areas (Body, Chassis etc). to create a winning vehicle solution

Represent AVD in early studies around specific architecture ideation and/or cross-program workgroups

Support Systems Engineering in establishing a system-level approach and mechanizations for thermal systems.

Support benchmarking activities of other OEMs and be well-versed in the thermal strategies of major competitors

Drive alignment of overall thermal subsystem strategies to balance performance, efficiency, cost, and integration requirements

Ensure we are executing ETL/TS strategies through Peer Reviews, AVD Design Review, and other informal discussions

Identify AVD-related BP gaps and work with ETL/TSs to address them

Mentor less experienced Thermal AVD DREs to help them resolve significant issues and teach them the technology. Be visible and available "on the floor".

Continuously improve AVD subsystem specific technical tools and work with VDDV to improve analysis methods that enable excellent and efficient program work, on time, with quality.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

12+ years of experience in thermal systems

Expertise in thermal systems integration and thermal management technologies.

Strong understanding of AVD processes and workflow

Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and manage complex projects.

Excellent communication skills and managerial courage for conveying technical concepts and negotiating vehicle trade-offs with leadership and peers.

Strong mentoring/teaching skills

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications) .

Prior roles as Thermal AVSE/VSE, Engineering Technical Leader (ETL), Technical Specialist, or Architect

Established relationships with interfacing groups related to this role (Vehicle Architecture, Systems Engineering, VDDV, Aero, Design Studio, ETLs/TSs, etc)

Recognized technical contributions through patents or publications.

DFSS Master Black Belt Certification.

Master’s degree in Engineering.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Total Rewards | Benefits Overview

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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