Thermal Project Engineer at Proterra, Inc. in Greenville, South Carolina

Job Description:

Position Overview

This engineering position will provide comprehensive support all aspects of the design release engineering function at Proterra for thermal systems and fire suppression systems. These systems include cabin thermal components such as HVAC, Defroster, and driver heat. The primary objective is to execute design solutions and direct CAD design and drawings for use in the production build process as well as specify supplier components. This position will provide a candidate with the opportunity to demonstrate strong engineering rigor while providing immediate value add for Proterra Transit vehicles. The candidate will join a team of talented engineers as part of the Electrical and Thermal Release Engineering team located in Greenville, SC. This position, also, will report to the Manager of Electrical and Thermal Release Engineering and collaborate with other Engineering members located at the Proterra headquarters in Burlingame, CA and manufacturing facilities in Los Angeles, CA and Greenville, SC. 

About the Role – You Will:

• Design and specify components to support Cabin thermal and Fire Suppression applications on Proterra transit bus.


• Develop test plans and work with suppliers to validate and define DVPR according to system specifications and requirements.


• Follow industry and Proterra best practices and guidelines to define engineering solutions.


• Collaborate and communicate with management, internal, and outsourced development partners regarding design status, project progress, and issue resolution.


• Support production non-conformance incidents and define short term and long term corrective actions.


• Develop RCCA solutions for fleet reliability issues within the thermal system scope.


• Release part drawings, BOM, and requirements documents according to change management process.


• Troubleshoot bus behavior using CAN analysis techniques and tools.


• Other duties as assigned by management.

About Our Group:

• As strategic partners, the Engineering team strives to ensure that our values, culture and engagement allows us to do great things for our company.


• We strive to provide the highest-level service and support to our clients each and every day.


• We work collaboratively to build strong relationships with our clients, partners, and own team.


• We treat each other with respect, and always try to have a little fun every day!


• You will report to the Manager of Electrical and Thermal Release Engineering and collaborate with other Engineering members located at the Proterra headquarters in Burlingame, CA and manufacturing facilities in Los Angeles, CA and Greenville, SC.  

About You

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Self-starter with the proactive ability to adapt interpersonal styles and techniques to influence at all levels of the organization as well as external service providers and vendors.


• Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion.


• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and credibility, and act with complete integrity.


• Detail-oriented, resourceful, diligent and works with little supervision.


• Strong time management, organizational skills and manages multiple priorities, tasks, objectives, plans, and complex work assignments.


• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to effectively communicate product architectures, design proposals and negotiate options at all management levels.


• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.  

Your Experience Includes

• BS. degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.


• 3-5 years minimum of progressive engineering experience


• Knowledge of engineering change management & design release processes.


• New production program launch experience is preferred.


• Proficiency in reading CAD models, schematics, and communicating design changes.


• Understanding of CAN/J1939 protocol and troubleshooting methods preferred


• Proficiency in CAD, preferably CATIA.


• Vehicle, heavy-duty, bus, truck or hybrid vehicle experience is a plus.

Location: Greenville, SC

Travel: 0 - 10%

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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