Lead Fluid Systems Development Engineer

Element Materials Technology; Almondsbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Lead Fluid Systems Development Engineer for their Bristol team. This hands-on role involves designing and integrating fluid mechanical systems for advanced propulsion and energy technologies. Ideal candidates will have experience in R&D environments and a background in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Key responsibilities include supporting system builds and ensuring project compliance and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and developing fluid mechanical systems in an R&D or prototype environment.
• Practical understanding of pipework design, fittings, flow/pressure/thermal effects, and component selection.
• Competence producing P&IDs, schematics, mechanical layouts, and design documentation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engineering work packages for design and integration of complex fluid systems.
• Produce and manage key design artefacts including schematics and P&IDs.
• Support the physical build, installation, and commissioning of systems.

Skills

Fluid mechanical systems design

R&D test rigs

Pipework design

Instrumentation knowledge

Data acquisition systems

Education

BEng or MEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

We are seeking a Lead Fluid Systems Development Engineer to strengthen our design and development capability within our Bristol-based teams. This role will focus on the definition, design, and integration of fluid mechanical systems – including R&D test rigs, experimental circuits, and prototype platforms for advanced propulsion, energy, and hydrogen technologies. This is a hands‑on, delivery‑focused engineering role suited to candidates with experience taking complex system concepts from requirements through to detailed design, build, and test. Work is conducted within a requirements‑based systems engineering framework, and the engineer will be responsible for generating and maintaining the supporting technical documentation and compliance evidence appropriate to regulatory, client, or internal safety and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• System Design & Integration: Deliver engineering work packages for the design and integration of complex fluid systems and development rigs.
• Produce and manage key design artefacts including schematics, P&IDs, system architectures, layouts, and component specifications.
• Conduct flow and pressure‑drop calculations, thermal assessments, and component sizing as required.
• Build & Commissioning Support: Support the physical build, installation, and commissioning of systems in collaboration with technicians, suppliers, and clients.
• Ensure systems are developed and commissioned safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements.
• Instrumentation & Controls Collaboration: Work closely with Electrical and Control Systems Engineers to integrate instrumentation, valves, sensors, heaters, and data acquisition/control hardware; ensure the design allows for effective measurement, control, and test capability.

Qualifications

• BEng or MEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience designing and developing fluid mechanical systems in an R&D or prototype environment.
• Practical understanding of pipework design, fittings, flow/pressure/thermal effects, and component selection.
• Familiarity with pressure, flow, temperature, and electrical measurement devices, and their integration.
• Competence producing P&IDs, schematics, mechanical layouts, and associated design documentation.
• Experience supporting physical system builds, rig assembly, or hardware commissioning.
• Working knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems (e.g., National Instruments, LabVIEW, MATLAB).

About Element Digital Engineering

Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering design, simulation, build, and consultancy services supporting complex and novel system development across Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Built Environment, and Chemical Process industries. We deliver end‑to‑end engineering support – from concept and system architecture through to detailed design, build, and validation – for some of the most advanced technology development programmes in the UK and internationally. Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our vision of becoming 'the world's most trusted testing partner'. All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work‑related criteria and without regard to age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity in accordance with applicable governing laws.