Engineering Manager, Thermal Controls

Overview

You’re passionate about a zero-emissions future and want to build something special. You want to own your space but work with talented, like-minded people on important projects. The pace doesn’t scare you, it excites you. Quality and integrity matter to you. 

 

We feel exactly the same way. Drive Forward. Introduce yourself to us and let’s start a conversation. 

 

We are on the lookout for an Engineering Manager, Thermal Controls that will be responsible for the development, implementation, optimization, and testing of control algorithms to join our Thermal Control team. 

Responsibilities

• As an Engineering Manager, Thermal Controls, your job duties include utilizing expertise and experience to effectively manage the thermal controls software-development team, including responsibilities such as:
• task management within the team
• coordinating development needs with other departments
• managing thermal software releases and content for related control units
• analyze, approve, and manage change request for software development
• providing technical leadership in software development using MATLAB/Simulink

• Lead the thermal controls team to develop control software for optimal thermal management of different systems including battery, fuel cell, powertrain, cabin HVAC, and brake resistor
• Collaborate with modeling engineers to devise accurate control strategies and with systems engineers to ensure the controls schemes meet thermal system requirements
• Work closely with embedded/integration/cross-functional engineers to implement, test, debug and calibrate thermal control algorithms, as well as support vehicle-development activities related to thermal-control functions
• Develop vehicle level test requirements for validating the vehicle thermal management system (thermal control system DVP, pass/fail requirements, and detailed test plans)
• Work efficiently within a multidisciplinary and fast-paced environment

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering (computer science, electrical, mechanical or any closely related discipline)
• 8 years of experience working as a controls engineer and 3 years of experience in managing a technical team
• Strong knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink 
• Experience with embedded control of thermal systems (i.e., pumps, fans, valves) and refrigeration systems (i.e., compressors, EXVs)
• Direct experience in vehicle-level controls design for electric or hybrid vehicles. (i.e., thermal management, battery management, charging systems, torque control, vehicle dynamics, body controls)  
• Strong background in Model-Based system design in MATLAB/Simulink environment 
• Knowledge in auto-code generation in MATLAB /Simulink environment 
• Solid understanding of system/component design/development processes
• Experience with optimization methods
• Ability to communicate technical data from analysis to individuals/teams from different areas within the organization
• Familiar with git version control 

Preferred:  

• Familiarity with tools such as Vector CANalyzer, CANoe, CANape
• Knowledge of classical control theory, optimal controls, and state-space modeling
• Understanding of Microcontrollers/Microprocessors architectures 
• Proficiency with CAN, LIN Communication Protocols
• Proficiency in C/C /Python programming
• Experience in modeling and simulation

Candidates must have current U.S. work authorization or be TN eligible from Mexico or Canada. This position is not eligible for CPT or OPT.

 

EEO Statement

Nikola Corporation™ is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by state or federal law.