Aptera Motors
Sr Staff Engineer, HVAC + Thermal Systems
Carlsbad, CA · Staff+ · Full-time
Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 16 hours ago
CATIACFDThermal AnalysisMechanical DesignPower ElectronicsLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoring
Stay score
odds of building a lasting career here
37Risky
Cap-exempt (no lottery)0
Sponsors this role80
Entry-level history0
PERM / green-card track0
Lottery odds40
Fits your clock70
Thin sponsorship signal and lottery-bound. A low-probability bet with your clock running. Prioritize cap-exempt roles and proven entry-level sponsors first.
Lottery odds assume a STEM candidate.
Personalize to your clock →Employer immigration record
from this employer's Department of Labor filings
Files H-1B transfers
2 transfer filings in the last year, covering 2 workers. Median labor-condition decision: 7 days. An employer that already files transfers is one that can take over an existing H-1B.
Sourced from Department of Labor LCA, PERM and prevailing-wage disclosure data. Employer matching is by name, so figures may be split across an employer's legal entities. Absence of a filing means none appears in our copy of the data, not that none exists.
Community outcomes
No reports yet — be the first to help the next applicant.
About the role
- Aptera is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer, HVAC & Thermal Systems to lead thermal architecture and HVAC system development for our solar electric vehicle.
- In this role, you'll define and execute the thermal strategy that keeps our vehicle's occupants comfortable and its battery, powertrain, and electronics running efficiently, all while protecting the ultra-low energy consumption that makes Aptera's solar vehicle possible.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and vehicle validation of HVAC and thermal management systems for Aptera's solar vehicle platform, including battery thermal management (all systems), cabin climate control, and power electronics cooling
- Define thermal architecture strategy that balances energy efficiency, range, and occupant comfort, a critical trade-off given the vehicle's ultra-aerodynamic, solar-charging design
- Own thermal system requirements, specifications, and performance targets from concept through production
- Lead HVAC calculations and simulation work (CFD, 1D/3D modeling) to predict, validate, and optimize system performance ahead of physical testing
- Plan and lead HVAC system validation and thermal programs, including climate chamber testing, hot/cold weather development, and real-world performance verification
- Partner cross-functionally with battery, powertrain, body, and electrical teams to integrate thermal systems into the overall vehicle architecture
- Select and manage relationships with HVAC and thermal component suppliers, including compressors, heat exchangers, refrigerant systems, and heat pumps
- Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of thermal-related field and test issues
- Ensure HVAC system designs comply with relevant automotive thermal and refrigerant safety standards
- Maintain accurate HVAC and thermal systems documentation within the vehicle's Build of Materials (BOM)
Requirements
- Deep expertise in vehicle HVAC systems and thermal architecture, including battery thermal management systems for electric vehicles
- Hands-on experience with climate chamber and physical thermal validation testing
- Experience with HVAC systems and its major components and technologies
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex thermal engineering concepts for cross-functional stakeholders
Nice to have
- Experience with solar-integrated or ultra-high-efficiency vehicle platforms
- Experience designing HVAC systems specifically optimized for range extension in EVs
- Proficient with CATIA V6 or similar automotive CAD/simulation tools
- Experience working in a startup or fast-paced product development environment
- Patents, publications, or conference contributions in automotive thermal management
- Individual contributor
- 15+ years of relevant experience in automotive HVAC, thermal systems, or thermal management engineering
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related field
Company info
- Aptera Motors
- is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun.
- We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
- Company Culture
- is built on transparency, ethical treatment of one another, a bias for action, and leading by example.
- Carlsbad, California | Engineering | Full-time
Apply directly at Aptera Motors →Create a free account for alerts like thisView Aptera Motors immigration profile
This listing is sourced directly from Aptera Motors's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.