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Thermal Product Design & Release Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI

Posted: 04/03/2026 Employment Type: Contract Job Industry: Defense/Government Job Number: 26-00123

Job Description

Thermal Product Design & Release Engineer
Sterling Heights, MI
$63–$70/hour
Position Overview
Seeking a Thermal Design & Release Engineer to lead development of vehicle HVAC and thermal management systems for ground combat platforms. This role focuses on fluid system analysis, heat exchanger design, and full lifecycle design release of components supporting powertrain, electronics, and crew environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform 1-D fluid flow analysis to size and optimize cooling systems
  • Conduct heat exchanger design and optimization
  • Design and integrate HVAC components and subsystems
  • Develop and release engineering drawings and Technical Data Packages (TDPs)
  • Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities
  • Conduct trade studies and performance analysis
  • Manage supplier design, technical reviews, and source selection
  • Track weight, cost, thermal, and power allocations
  • Develop engineering documentation (SOW, ICD, CIDS, SSP)
  • Support design reviews, troubleshooting, and corrective actions

Required Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 15+ years of experience, including
    • 5+ years in design & release engineering
  • Strong background in thermal and mechanical engineering principles

Key Skills
  • 1-D thermal/fluids modeling (cooling systems, pumps, circuits)
  • Heat exchanger sizing and optimization
  • HVAC system design for vehicles
  • Experience with Teamcenter and Vis Mockup
  • Experience supporting prototype and production builds
  • Strong supplier management and technical oversight

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to travel up to 10%
  • Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Security clearance
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Ability to work around military vehicles (ASR requirements may apply)

Preferred Experience
  • Experience with ground combat vehicles
  • Strong communication, organization, and continuous improvement mindset

Work Environment
  • Onsite –Sterling Heights, MI
  • Occasional overtime/weekend support as needed

Why Join CPI?
For over 40 years, Contract Professionals, Inc. (CPI) has connected engineering professionals with high-impact defense and advanced technology programs. We provide dedicated recruiter support, transparent communication, and opportunities aligned with your expertise and career goals.
US CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT:
This assignment is a US Government Contract which requires all applicants to be US Citizens.

NO SUBCONTRACT REQUIREMENT:
No third-party applicants will be considered. If you are a third party contracting company, please do not respond to this position.

Meet Your Recruiter

Jimmy Tallent
Technical Recruiter

As a proud U.S. Army veteran with an extensive 28-year service record, Jimmy Tallent dedicated two decades of his life to active duty and an additional eight years in the Army Reserve, contributing his time, talent and commitment  to various vital aspects of military service. His journey has been diverse, spanning roles in aviation, transportation, and recruiting, allowing him to develop a versatile skill set and a deep understanding of the military landscape.

Originally hailing from the city of Chattanooga, TN, Jimmy embarked on his military career with a passion for service and a commitment to excellence. Throughout his tenure, he served in dynamic and challenging roles, which included the precision and expertise demanded by the  aviation industry, the strategic logistics of transportation, and the interpersonal and leadership skills required in the recruiting field.

In addition to his rich military experience, he pursued and earned a degree in business management, further enhancing his knowledge and capabilities. With this academic achievement, coupled with his practical experience, positioned him as a professional with a comprehensive understanding of both military and business landscapes.

Today, Jimmy is excited to leverage his leadership, organizational, and strategic skills at Contract Professionals, Inc. Jimmy is driven by his commitment to excellence, his discipline instilled through years of military service, and his passion for overcoming challenges. He approaches every opportunity with the same dedication and integrity, which defined his military career.

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