Thermal Systems Architect

General Motors

Thermal System Architect providing technical leadership and guidance for thermal system integration at GM. Responsible for managing thermal components and ensuring performance meets specifications.

Posted 6/6/2026full-timeWarren • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Airflow

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Thermal System Architect’s primary responsibility is to provide technical leadership and guidance for the development and integration of the thermal system inclusive of propulsion, cabin and vehicle thermal management.
In this role, you will be responsible for configuration of all thermal components, ensuring alignment with defined strategies, criteria compliance, and program specific desires.
Proficient use of trade matrices (performance vs. cost, mass, energy, packaging), to enable proper leadership decision making especially under compressed timing.
Lead the team in creative problem solving for complex thermal performance conflicts.
Guide use of analytical tools and methods (e.g., 0D/1D/3D analysis, simulation, virtual builds, sensitivity studies) to rapidly evaluate alternatives and recommend data-driven solutions.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of technical decisions, risks, and mitigations in GM systems (e.g., VTS tools, GDM, peer review records).
Provide consistent support in CITs, SDITs, VCITs and VPITs. Emphasize technical direction within these forums.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluids Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
Minimum of 5+ years in thermal systems engineering for automotive or related industries, including significant exposure to:
HVAC and cabin comfort
Coolant and refrigerant loops
Underhood/underbody airflow and thermal protection of sensitive components
Active Aero
Energy management and thermal interactions with propulsion systems
Proven technical depth in thermal engineering, with the ability to review and challenge system architectures, performance analysis, and identify disruptive technology.
Strong communication and influencing skills, including ability to simplify complex thermal topics for non-experts and gain alignment across organizations
High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
DFSS Black Belt Certification.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible work hours
Paid time off
Remote work options

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

thermal systems engineeringHVACcoolant loopsrefrigerant loopsunderhood airflowthermal protectionactive aeroenergy managementthermal interactionsperformance analysis

Soft Skills

technical leadershipcreative problem solvingcommunication skillsinfluencing skillsinterpersonal skillsalignment across organizationssimplifying complex topics

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor’s degree in Thermal/Fluids EngineeringBachelor’s degree in Aerospace EngineeringDFSS Black Belt Certification