Lead Cooling Engineer

Legrand; Bedford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Legrand is seeking a Lead Cooling Engineer to spearhead CFD modelling and experimental validation within its Centre of Excellence Cooling Division for USystems. You will drive thermal and fluid dynamics analyses for RDHx, CDUs and liquid cooling systems in a fast-paced R&D setting.

The role requires strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on product development experience to deliver manufacturable, compliant cooling solutions while mentoring junior engineers and advancing modelling capabilities

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant CFD modelling experience.
• Experience with heat exchangers and liquid cooling systems.
• Experience with PLM systems and product development processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead CFD analysis of heat exchangers, liquid cooling systems and airflow management solutions.
• Develop CFD models to analyse airflow distribution, pressure drop, heat transfer performance and system optimization.
• Support development of next-generation cooling products and ensure compliance with UK/EU requirements.
• Produce technical files and documentation to meet ISO9001 and ECO Design Policy.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

CFD software

Ansys

Data analysis

Technical communication

Reports writing

Multi-project management

Mechanical Eng degree

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Solidworks

Windchill

Smartsheets

Job description

Overall Job Purpose

You will be working in a growing R&D Development team in the Centre of Excellence Cooling Division for USystems, developing innovative cooling technologies for the ever-expanding datacentre industry.

Job Description

Overall Job Purpose

You will be working in a growing R&D Development team in the Centre of Excellence Cooling Division for USystems, developing innovative cooling technologies for the ever-expanding datacentre industry.

The Lead Cooling Engineer will be responsible for leading the thermal and fluid flow engineering activities associated with the development of new cooling products, supporting the Principal Cooling Engineer in delivering innovative and commercially viable solutions.

The role will focus on the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), thermal analysis, laboratory testing and validation to support the design and development of rear door heat exchangers (RDHx), coolant distribution units (CDUs), liquid cooling systems and associated cooling technologies.

The successful candidate will combine strong theoretical engineering knowledge with practical product development experience to deliver robust, manufacturable and compliant cooling solutions.

• Contribute to the USystems mission of developing innovative, technology-focused cooling product designs.
• Lead CFD modelling and simulation activities to support new product development and product optimisation.
• Research, evaluate and implement new cooling technologies and methodologies.
• Support the design, test and conformity process to ensure products meet performance, quality and compliance requirements.
• Develop and maintain thermal, hydraulic and fluid flow simulation models.
• Correlate simulation results with laboratory testing to improve product performance and modelling accuracy.
• Provide cooling engineering expertise throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support the continuous development of modelling capabilities, design tools and engineering best practices within the R&D team.
• Promote the company's professionalism, technical excellence and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

Key Duties

• Research, aid in the design, develop and validate new cooling products.
• Lead CFD analysis of heat exchangers, liquid cooling systems and airflow management solutions.
• Develop CFD models to analyse: Airflow distribution, Pressure drop, Heat transfer performance, Liquid flow characteristics, Thermal efficiency, System optimisation.
• Support the specification and development of next-generation cooling products, taking account of marketing and customer requirements.
• Produce and maintain technical files to meet the requirements of UK Regulations and EU Directives.
• Follow design and development procedures as required by ISO9001 and Legrand's ECO Design Policy.
• Generate engineering reports, technical specifications and supporting documentation.
• Abide by and actively promote the Legrand Group Values and Code of Ethics

Key Skills Required

• Proven experience as a Mechanical, Thermal or Cooling Engineer.
• Strong understanding of: Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Dynamics, Thermal Management Systems, Heat Exchanger Design, Liquid Cooling Technologies
• Extensive experience using CFD software packages. Ansys is the CFD tool of choice for Legrand/USystems.
• Ability to interpret and analyse complex engineering and test data.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent report writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to plan and manage multiple engineering activities simultaneously.
• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (BEng, MEng, MSc or equivalent).

Experience/Desirable

QUALIFICATIONS

• Product design and development experience within cooling, HVAC or datacentre industries.
• Significant experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling.
• Experience modelling heat exchangers and liquid cooling systems.
• Experience developing Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs).
• Experience developing Rear Door Heat Exchangers (RDHx).
• Experience in thermal and hydraulic testing and validation.
• Experience correlating physical test results with simulation data.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Experience in Product Life Cycle Analysis.
• Knowledge of UKCA, CE and international product compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting New Product Development (NPD) programmes from concept through to production.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and supporting technical development within engineering teams.
• Competent with Microsoft Office; Solidworks CAD packages, familiarity with PDM systems (windchill) and Smartsheets beneficial.

About Us

At Legrand, we are a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Every day, our 38,000+ employees across nearly 90 countries work to improve lives by transforming the spaces where people live, work, and connect.

Driven by innovation, simplicity, and sustainability, we design high-value solutions that make buildings smarter, more efficient, and more comfortable. From connected technologies to energy-efficient systems, our products and services empower millions of users around the world.

Our strength lies in our diversity-of people, expertise, and brands. Whether you join Legrand or one of its brands, you’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where your ideas matter and your growth is supported.

Together, we’re building the future of buildings. Come and make an impact with us.