Head Of Thermal Engineering & Heat Transfer

Langfields; Salford; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is searching for a Head of Thermal Engineering & Heat Transfer. This role involves establishing a centre of excellence in thermal systems design, leading a team, and driving R&D for innovative heating and cooling technologies. Ideal candidates should have over 10 years of experience and hold a relevant degree. The position offers a hybrid work environment with regular travel required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in thermal and heat transfer engineering, ideally in relevant sectors.
• Expertise with thermal design and simulation tools.
• Proven leadership and mentoring ability within a technical engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute thermal engineering strategy across multiple systems.
• Lead the design and optimisation of heat exchangers and pressure vessels.
• Drive R&D into advanced heating and cooling technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Thermal design & simulation tools

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Materials science

Pressure systems design

Heat transfer principles

Education

Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Aspen

HTRI

ANSYS Fluent

COMSOL

Job description

Head of Thermal Engineering & Heat Transfer

Location: Hybrid (with regular travel to Langfields' UK facilities)

Reports to: Managing Director

Type: Full-Time / Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About Langfields

Langfields is a UK leader in the design and manufacture of high-integrity pressure systems, heat exchangers and engineered plant for some of the world's most demanding industries — including nuclear, hydrogen, renewables, defence and petrochemical sectors.

With facilities across the UK and a reputation built over 60 years, we specialise in fabrication using stainless steels, nickel alloys, titanium and other exotic materials, delivering turnkey engineered solutions to help drive the global energy transition.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Head of Thermal Engineering & Heat Transfer to establish and lead a centre of excellence in advanced thermal systems design and analysis.

This role will drive Langfields' capabilities in heat exchanger and pressure vessel design & manufacture, thermal system optimisation, and hydrogen and nuclear technology innovation.

You will lead strategic technical development, mentor a growing team of engineers, and ensure regulatory excellence while delivering high-integrity engineered solutions for world-class clients.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute Langfields' thermal engineering strategy across nuclear, hydrogen and mechanical systems.
• Build, lead and mentor a high-performing heat transfer and thermal engineering team.
• Develop and enforce engineering standards, best-practice methodologies and design-for-manufacture principles for thermal systems.
• Collaborate with the established mechanical design function to expand Langfields' engineering capabilities and service offerings across the group.
• Contribute to companywide R&D strategy and future capability planning.

Technical Oversight

• Lead the design and optimisation of heat exchangers and pressure vessels for nuclear, hydrogen and other critical duty applications.
• Oversee CFD, FEA, and analytical modelling for heat transfer, thermal stress, and fluid flow.
• Approve technical documentation, design reviews and verification reports.
• Ensure full compliance with design codes, standards and regulations.
• Act as technical interface with regulatory authorities, certification bodies and industry partners.

Innovation & R&D

• Drive R&D into advanced heating and cooling technologies and high-performance materials.
• Collaborate with universities, research institutions and industry consortia on emerging technologies including SMRs (Small Modular Reactors) and hydrogen energy systems.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, technical curiosity and high performance within the engineering function.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bacherlors, Master's or PhD in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace Engineering (or related field).
• 10+ years of experience in thermal and heat transfer engineering, ideally within a nuclear, hydrogen or pressure systems design and manufacturing environment.
• Expertise with thermal design & simulation tools such as Aspen, HTRI, ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL or similar.
• Strong grounding in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, pressure systems and heat transfer principles.
• Proven leadership and mentoring ability within a technical engineering environment.
• Deep understanding of ASME BPVC,