Principal Thermal Engineer

Role Overview

• Conduct thermal analysis of mechanical designs to assess performance and safety using thermal analysis software, CFD techniques, and classical hand calculations.
• Provide expert guidance on cooling strategies and recommend thermal design improvements as required.
• Advise on materials and manufacturing techniques with an emphasis on thermal performance and mechanical integrity.
• Define thermal requirements and develop methods for verifying compliance across Leonardo products.
• Drive innovation in thermal design, introducing new technologies and methodologies.
• Support product development through all phases—from design and testing to final certification.
• Deliver thermal solutions that meet performance requirements on time and within budget.
• Contribute to technical documentation, including material for peer reviews and stage/gate approvals.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering
• Post-graduate experience in Thermal engineering
• Proven expertise in thermal analysis, with a track record of developing equipment for challenging and extreme operating environments
• Proficiency in CFD tools, preferably Ansys Icepak and Ansys Fluent, alongside a solid foundation in classical hand calculation methods
• Experience of environmental test methods for design verification and working knowledge of design certification for land based and airborne equipment
• Knowledge of Regulatory Standards including but not limited to: Def Stan 00-970, Health and Safety HSE Regulations including Hazardous Waste Regulation
• Compliance with Pressure Equipment Regulation, Pressure System Safety Regulation and Fluorinated Gas Regulations
• Awareness of equipment safety compliance requirements, including the ability to support inspection processes and generate fault and failure reports
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence the direction of both internal and external customers
• A proven problem solver with a practical, pragmatic approach
• Ability to take ownership of work packages, planning and scheduling own workload and the work of others
• It is advantageous for the candidate to have experience in the design, development and test of electronics packaging and/or aerospace equipment
• Experience of manufacturing and joining techniques, engineering material properties
• Professional recognition as a Chartered Engineer and full membership of a relevant engineering institution (e.g. IMechE)

Benefits

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.