Principal Thermal Systems Engineer
First Mode is a carbon reduction company developing creative, clean energy solutions for heavy industry’s toughest problems.
We hope you’ll join us in building a brighter future for people and planet.
As Principal Thermal Systems Engineer, you will lead the design and analysis of the thermal systems for the hydrogen-powered haul truck fleet powerplants.
Position Responsibilities
- The architecture and design of vehicle and other thermal systems, including cooling and heating methods as well as general thermal system sizing (e.g., pumped fluid loops, convective systems, heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, etc.)
- Own thermal component testing, qualification, model correlation, and system-level thermal requirements verification
- Selection and specification of thermal system elements (e.g., fluid pumps, radiators, sensors, heat exchangers, resistive heaters, refrigeration cycles, etc.)
- Develop thermal systems with associated structures, mechanisms, and instrumentation elements to solve customer challenges, and see these elements through build, test, integration, and operation
- Perform trades within the mechanical and thermal systems to provide performance and system resource balance
- Define thermal system and subsystem interface requirements for powerplant components which require thermal maintenance as a part of operational and non-operational constraints
- Direct and mentor other thermal systems and mechanical systems engineers in the scope and development of their thermal systems work
- Work with the Vehicle Systems Leads to determine the particular solutions for the thermal subsystem that provide the optimal solutions for the vehicle system-level performance
- As subject matter expert, assist in technical review of other projects from time to time
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or related engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience in life-cycle development of thermal systems hardware within a complex system or product
- 8+ years of industry experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing thermal systems with interactions between mechanical, electrical and systems engineering teams
- Hands-on experience applying a variety of thermal components including heat exchangers, compressors, fans, shielding, insulation, valves and pumps
- Test evaluation experience including test planning, test fixture design/assembly, performing tests and analyzing data
- Experience with CAD and an engineering documentation management software program
- Experience with thermal analysis of steady state and transient environments
- Experience in complex, fast-paced team design projects
- Experience designing components for single and/or two-phase fluid applications
- Experience identifying, selecting, and applying a variety of heat transfer fluids (air, hydrogen, water, refrigerants, etc.)
- Proficiency in any of the following software: SolidWorks CAD tools, ANSYS, GT Suite, FEMAP, Thermal Desktop, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, or wiki documentation repositories
- A knack for thinking about how the parts of a system work together
- Ability to write and speak clearly about technical subject matter
- Flexibility and responsiveness in a fast-paced, dynamic, small team environment
Additional Requirements
- Occasional travel within the United States and internationally to represent First Mode to its customers, vendors, and partners and to coordinate with the FM Team in Australia
Location
- This position will be located at First Mode’s headquarters in Seattle, WA and will be required to work in office >60% of working hours
Total Rewards
Base Salary Range: $172,500 - $287,000
Principal Mechanical Engineer I: $172,500 - $233,500
Principal Mechanical Engineer II: $191,000 - $287,000
Benefits & Perks
- Annual bonus incentive
- Equity-based awards
- 100% employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution from the start of employment
- Flexible PTO with 12 weeks of supplementary paid parental leave
- Commuter benefits (parking & public transportation)
- A culture that encourages professional growth with learning and development reimbursements
- Open and collaborative workspace with free office snacks and lunches
- Hybrid work model
#LI-Hybrid
First Mode is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with First Mode is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
