Lead Engineer – Refrigeration & Cooling Systems

Leonardo; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Luton is seeking a practical engineer to enhance cooling systems for advanced aviation solutions. The role involves designing and maintaining refrigeration systems, collaborating across teams, and supporting European operations. Ideal candidates should possess relevant degree-level qualifications and experience in cooling technologies. With a commitment to employee wellness, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities, this is an opportunity to develop expertise in a specialized field.

Benefits

Flexible Working

Company funded flexible benefits

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Award winning pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Gym membership

Free access to online courses

Referral Incentive

Bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Degree or HND/HNC with practical experience in relevant fields.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, marine, or similar systems.
• Understanding of high- and low-pressure systems and fluids.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain refrigeration and thermal management systems.
• Support integration and testing at various facilities.
• Present engineering solutions to teams and partners.

Skills

Cooling technologies expertise

Team working

Practical workmanship skills

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Education

Degree or HND / HNC in relevant field

Tools

Pressure testing equipment

Engineering documentation tools

Job description

Job Description :

We’re seeking a practical, hands‑on engineer with expertise in refrigeration and cooling systems to join our team at Leonardo Luton. You’ll play a key role in delivering high-performance cooling solutions and test equipment for advanced aerospace platforms.

Working within a multi-disciplinary environment, you’ll collaborate across teams in the Electronic Warfare Business and support both UK-based and European operations. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow into a subject matter expert in a specialised and high-impact field, with strong support for career development and hybrid working.

In this role, your responsibilities will include :

• Designing, building, documenting, testing, qualifying, installing, and maintaining refrigeration and other thermal management systems for military aviation platforms.
• Supporting system integration and testing at Leonardo facilities, customer sites, and occasionally on operational bases.
• Presenting engineering solutions and investigation findings to both internal teams and external partners.
• Collaborating with European and international partners on joint development or support projects.
• Progressing toward recognised status as a Competent Person and subject matter expert in cooling and pressure systems.

We’re looking for someone with a combination of technical skill, hands‑on ability, and practical engineering judgement. The ideal candidate will have :

Qualifications & Background :

• Ideally a Degree qualification, but an HND / HNC with sufficient practical experience will also be considered.
• Background in one or more of the following areas :
• Experience in Automotive, Aerospace, Marine, Electronics / Data Centre and or Process cooling systems would be an advantage.

Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Thermal Management, or Pressure Systems.

Technical Skills & Experience :

• Experience with cooling technologies such as refrigeration systems, chilled water / glycol loops, oil cooling, and potentially cascade systems.
• Understanding of high- and low-pressure systems, pressure‑enthalpy diagrams, and fluid properties.
• Skilled in assembling and testing systems, including pressure and leak testing.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation (e.g. circuit diagrams, safety / risk assessments, user manuals, defect reports).
• Knowledge of relevant UK, European, and international standards related to environmental controls, pressure systems, and REACH compliance.

Soft Skills & Tools

• Team working approach with a high degree of personal integrity.
• Demonstrate a high level of practical workmanship skills in the assembly, test and repair of small mechanical and fluid devices (including the practice of tool control and recording of such work).
• Well experienced in Microsoft software packages- particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of engineering document management and project management fundamentals.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Security Clearance

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working : Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits : Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays : 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy / sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension : Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing : Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle : Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training : Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive : You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus : Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below