Cooling & Thermal System Development & SW application

To support RD China’s strategy of maximizing the local ecosystem and delivering a best-in-class thermal comfort experience for Chinese customers, the local Thermal Management team develops and localizes innovative thermal comfort and thermal management solutions for Mercedes-Benz carlines in China. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Thermal Management Expert to drive the local business growth.

Key Responsibilities1.

Thermal Requirements Definition & Management:

• Perform competitive benchmarking of thermal management and HVAC systems in the Chinese market.
• Define, analyze, and manage vehicle thermal comfort requirements together with project, marketing, and sales stakeholders.
• Specify China-specific thermal comfort functions and features, such as multi-zone climate control, pre-conditioning, HMI/UI concepts, and air distribution solutions.
• Collaborate closely with System Managers, E/E System Representatives, Module Group Representatives, and System Integrators to ensure target achievement, project alignment, and customer satisfaction.

2.

Function Development & Software Application:

• Execute V-model-based development activities in cooperation with hardware and software teams in RD China and RD Germany.
• Take end-to-end ownership of China-specific thermal comfort software functions, including requirement engineering, modeling, implementation, validation, calibration, and release.
• Utilize MiL, SiL, and HiL methodologies to ensure software robustness, efficiency, and quality.
• Conduct software application and system calibration across various vehicle operating and environmental conditions.

3.

Troubleshooting & Change Management:

• Act as the primary interface for thermal comfort-related software topics and issue resolution.
• Lead root-cause analysis, troubleshooting, and debugging activities in collaboration with global development teams.
• Ensure correct software releases and version management for localized vehicle programs.
• Track, manage, and transparently report issues and project risks to stakeholders and management.
• Coordinate hotfixes and engineering changes throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

4.

System Validation & Release:

• Plan and conduct vehicle- and system-level validation activities, including climatic wind tunnel testing and road testing.
• Lead China-specific system and malfunction analyses with cross-functional teams.
• Drive the development and validation of China-specific thermal comfort components and functions.
• Ensure timely completion of function and system releases according to project milestones.
• Monitor field quality and customer satisfaction, and manage series changes through interdisciplinary and agile collaboration.

5. General

• Support localization and development activities from concept phase through production ramp-up.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of thermal comfort products, processes, and technologies.
• Complete additional tasks and assignments as requested by management.

Education:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

• 8+ years of professional experience in the automotive industry.
• At least 5 years of experience with OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers in the field of thermal management, HVAC systems, or thermal software development.
• Proven experience in vehicle thermal comfort system development, validation, calibration, and release processes.

Technical Knowledge & Competencies:

• Self-motivated, accountable, and capable of solving complex technical problems independently.
• Strong understanding of the Software V-Cycle, including requirements engineering, software design and implementation, MiL/SiL testing, and HiL validation.
• Proficient in automotive software development and validation tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, AUTOSAR, Vector toolchain (CANoe, CANalyzer, vTESTstudio), and related engineering tools.
• Solid system expertise in thermal comfort and thermal management systems, including HVAC, electric compressors, heat pumps, heaters, radiators, condensers, refrigerant circuits, and related components.
• Good understanding of vehicle E/E architecture, diagnostics, communication protocols, and software integration processes.
• Strong project planning, organizational, and stakeholder management skills in an international and cross-functional environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with internal and external partners.
• Fluent in English; German language skills are an advantage.

Personal Attributes

• Strong team player with a proactive and customer-oriented mindset.
• High level of commitment, ownership, and adaptability in a dynamic development environment.
• Passion for automotive technologies, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively in agile, interdisciplinary, and multicultural teams.