Thermal Modeling Engineer

Overview: Responsibilities:

• Develop and Validate Physics-Based Models: This involves creating mathematical representations of the vehicle's thermal systems using software like Simcenter Amesim. These models simulate how heat is generated, transferred, and dissipated within the vehicle's various components
• Author System-Level Test Plans: Designing test plans to verify that the thermal systems perform as intended under various conditions
• Contribute to Thermal System Architecture Development: Conceptualization and refinement of the vehicle's thermal system layout to ensure optimal performance
• Create Instrumentation Plans: Planning the placement and types of instrumentation required to collect accurate data during testing activities at the component, systes, and vehicle level
• Coordinate Component-Level Development Tests: Work with testing engineers to conduct tests on individual components to gather data for modeling purposes
• Collaborate on Subsystem Level Requirements: Define what each subsystem of the overall thermal system needs to achieve and ensure alignment with overall vehicle performance goals
• Validate Component Test Results: Verify that the results from component-level tests align with expectations and adjust models accordingly
• Develop Validation Test Plans: Create plans to validate that thermal components and subsystems meet performance requirements
• Size and Optimize Thermal Components: Utilize thermal models to determine the appropriate size and configuration of components such as heat exchangers, compressors, pumps, valves, and hoses to meet vehicle performance criteria
• Collaborate with Design Release Engineers and Suppliers: Ensure that thermal components meet design specifications and standards through close collaboration with cross functional teams and suppliers
• Work with Controls Engineers: Collaborate with controls teams to develop control strategies which regulate the vehicle's thermal management systems effectively
• Assist HIL/SIL Teams: Integrate thermal plant models into hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulations to test control algorithms
• Implement Modeling Best Practices: Optimize model performance and verify accuracy to virtually validate against real-world data to ensure reliability
• Work in a Multidisciplinary Environment: Collaborate with engineers from various disciplines to achieve overall vehicle performance goals
• Develop Tools for Data Analysis: Create in-house software tools which analyze data collected during testing to enhance modeling capabilities.
• Provide Modeling Results to External Teams: Present findings and insights with cross functional teams involved in vehicle development or external stakeholders

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or above in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Aeronautical Engineering
• Previous experience working with 1D modeling with experience in cooling systems, automotive industry, battery industry, or other similar fields
• Proficient in Simcenter Amesim, Python, and MATLAB
• Understanding of Thermal Systems and Aerodynamics including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and control systems
• Previous experience in the design of HVAC systems, coolant systems, and/or refrigeration cycles for electric vehicles is highly preferred
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Ability to work in fast paced and continuously changing design space

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.