Design Engineer

Kensa Heat Pumps Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Design Engineer to contribute to innovative heating solutions. In this role, you will oversee the full lifecycle of system designs, ensuring technical excellence from concept to completion. You will collaborate with various stakeholders, manage design projects, and utilize design software to create efficient and effective heating systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on sustainability efforts while working in a supportive and values-driven environment. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to achieving net-zero carbon targets and enhancing the future of heating in the UK.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements

Private Health Insurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

25 days holiday increasing to 30 days

Employee Assistance Programme

Company pension scheme

Regular staff events and activities

Qualifications

• Experience in a design role with proficiency in AutoCAD and ArcGIS.
• Strong understanding of GSHP systems and engineering calculations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate design packages for ground source heat pump systems.
• Engage with stakeholders and manage project timelines effectively.

Skills

Engineering calculations

Project coordination

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Engineering

Degree in Surveying

Tools

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

Job description

Join to apply for the Design Engineer role at Kensa.

Work base: Exeter or Bristol (Hybrid)

Working Hours: Full-Time Monday to Friday

About Kensa Group

The UK’s heating system is outdated, costing both people and the planet too much. At Kensa, we’ve been leading the charge since 1999, manufacturing and installing affordable, green heating solutions with minimal impact on the electricity grid. We’re responsible for over half the ground source heat pumps installed in the UK. Our networked heat pumps are the cheapest, cleanest way to heat and cool millions of homes and businesses, and even entire towns. By 2040, up to 8,000 homes a week could be connecting to these heat networks, eliminating 17Mt of CO2 a year, equivalent to that of over half of all UK flights. In leading the networked heat pump sector, Kensa will expand to install 50,000 heat pumps a year and employ 1,500. It’s time to leave high bills and emissions behind.

We’re making heating better—for people, for the planet, and for the future.

About The Role

As a Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the full lifecycle of system designs, ensuring technical excellence from concept to completion. This role is part of the domestic design team, focusing on achieving outstanding system design outcomes for retrofit projects.

This is a technical design role, with a strong emphasis on coordinating design packages to develop detailed specifications and installation outputs that align with safety, cost, time, and quality benchmarks. You will be responsible for tasks ranging from engineering calculations and mechanical & electrical (M&E) design to compiling O&M manuals and as-built records. Additionally, you will work closely with stakeholders to ensure project success.

What You Will Be Doing

• Develop and coordinate design packages for ground source heat pump systems.
• Engage with stakeholders, manage critical-path programming, and conduct risk assessments.
• Carry out project surveys and liaise with specialist subcontractors.
• Perform heating/cooling calculations and system reviews.
• Design and review ground-array systems and hydraulic specifications.
• Ensure all designs meet safety, quality, and cost benchmarks.
• Develop processes and achieve performance objectives in-line with departmental KPIs.
• Use AutoCAD and/or ArcGIS for system layout and design.
• Effectively manage design projects.
• Communicate design methodologies and outputs clearly across teams.

What You Will Bring

• Experience in a similar design role.
• A relevant degree in Engineering, Surveying, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD and/or ArcGIS.
• Experience performing engineering calculations, i.e. heat loss, flow-modelling.
• A demonstrable understanding of GSHP systems and their application.
• Project coordination skills and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively across teams.

Why join Kensa?

• Impact: Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to sustainable and affordable heating solutions.
• Innovation: Engage in meaningful projects that contribute directly to the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.
• Values-driven: Work in a supportive, inclusive environment where integrity, respect, and teamwork are valued.

How Will Kensa Support You?

• We encourage and support development, including internal and external courses, learning, study, and software, all bespoke to you.
• Wellbeing: free 24/7 access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Support for a balanced work-life approach, enabling remote or hybrid work settings.
• 25 days holiday increasing to 30 days (plus bank holidays) for 5+ years’ service.
• Private Health Insurance is available after one year of service.
• Automatic enrolment in our company pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help lower your carbon footprint whilst boosting endorphins and your health.
• Team Culture: Regular Kensa events and activities for staff and families, encouraging us to celebrate, connect, and enjoy work together.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to Kensa and help drive the UK’s transition to sustainable heating, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and become part of our journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future!

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing