CAE Specialist – 1D Thermal Simulation at SWJ TECHNOLOGY, LLC – Charlotte, North Carolina

SWJ Technologie specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a CAE Specialist for an assigned project with a client in the automotive industry. The role is based in Novi, MI or Charlotte NC and requires onsite presence and 20% domestics travel. If you are eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.

PURPOSE:
We are seeking a CAE Specialist with expertise in 1D Thermal Simulation to support the development and optimization of vehicle thermal and HVAC systems. This role focuses on building and correlating system-level models to evaluate thermal performance, energy efficiency, and cabin comfort across electric and hybrid vehicle platforms. The ideal candidate will work cross-functionally to influence design decisions from concept through production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain 1D thermal system models covering:
  • Coolant loops
  • Refrigerant cycles
  • Cabin HVAC and climate control
  • Battery thermal systems
  • Power electronics cooling
• Simulate transient and steady-state thermal behavior across varying:
  • Ambient conditions
  • Drive cycles
  • Load scenarios
• Perform HVAC airflow and cabin comfort simulations, including:
  • Blower sizing
  • Duct pressure drop analysis
  • Heat exchanger performance evaluation
• Use simulation insights to drive component sizing and selection:
  • Compressors, chillers, evaporators, heater cores
  • Pumps, valves, fans, ducts, and lines
• Analyze interactions between thermal subsystems (HVAC, battery, propulsion cooling).
• Evaluate system-level energy consumption and support vehicle efficiency optimization.
• Support development of thermal control strategies, including:
  • Compressor operation maps
  • Coolant flow management
  • Cabin climate control logic
• Correlate simulation models with test data from:
  • Bench testing
  • Wind tunnel testing
  • Climatic chambers
  • Vehicle-level testing
• Conduct sensitivity analyses and trade-off studies to optimize system design.
• Support development of validation test plans and instrumentation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams:
  • HVAC design
  • Thermal hardware
  • Controls engineering
  • Vehicle integration
  • Energy management
• Provide actionable engineering recommendations based on simulation results.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations, and data visualization for technical and executive stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Thermal/Fluid Systems Engineering or related field
• Experience in thermal simulation or HVAC system development in automotive or related industries)

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong experience in 1D thermal system simulation and modeling
• Expertise in HVAC and vehicle thermal systems
• Knowledge of:
  • Refrigeration cycles
  • Heat transfer and fluid dynamics
  • Battery and power electronics thermal management
• Experience with CAE tools (e.g., GT-SUITE or similar 1D simulation tools)
• Ability to analyze complex multi-domain systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience correlating simulation with physical test data
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Willingness to travel

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Experience with electrified vehicle thermal systems (EV/HEV/PHEV)
• Familiarity with co-simulation environments (e.g., controls + thermal)
• Knowledge of vehicle energy management strategies
• Experience with climatic testing and validation processes
• Scripting or automation experience for simulation workflows
• Understanding of regulatory requirements related to HVAC and thermal systems
• Experience working in cross-functional product development teams
• Experience with Volkswagen
• Willingness to travel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.

FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:

• Location: Novi, MI or Charlotte NC
• Schedule: Full Time/ 40 hours per week
• Travel: 20% domestics travel
• Overtime: as required
• Assignment Start: June 2026 – December 2030
• Duration: up to 4.5 years

DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.

SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., NGE EQUIPMENT and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.