Chief Thermal Architect

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.