Principal Thermal Engineer

Certain Advantage; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization based in Stevenage is seeking a Principal Thermal Engineer for a 12-month contract. The role will involve delivering thermal analysis and mechanical support while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. Candidates should possess a degree in a STEM field and experience with thermal analysis tools like ANSYS and MATLAB-Simulink. This position requires strong problem-solving and communication skills, and offers hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to carry out thermal analysis through hand calculations and FEA.
• Self-motivated, organized, and excellent problem solvers.
• Strong teamwork and independent working capabilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver packages of thermal analysis work.
• Develop designs and provide thermal performance evidence.
• Participate in design reviews and manage workload.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Mechanical analysis support

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Degree in STEM subject

Tools

ANSYS

MATLAB-Simulink

CFD software

Python

Job description

Principal Thermal Engineer Job Description

World Class Defence Organisation based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire is currently looking to recruit a Principal Thermal Engineer Subcontractor on an initial 12 month contract.

Hourly Rate: £50.00. Overtime Rate: Hours worked over the standard 37 hours per week will be paid at 'time and a quarter'. Location: Stevenage. Hybrid / Remote working: The role will likely be onsite 3 days per week. Duration: 12 Months with a very likely extension. IR35 status: Inside IR35 (Umbrella). Interview process: One stage onsite interview.

The Mechanical Analysis Group are looking for a Principal Thermal Engineer to join its team in Stevenage. The group consists of over 30 engineers working across a wide spectrum of cutting‑edge military systems. Working for an internationally recognised company, you will play a critical role in ensuring that products deliver the necessary performance against key thermal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership for delivering packages of thermal analysis work.
• Provide mechanical analysis support to develop designs and deliver thermal performance evidence.
• Deliver analysis evidence in clear reports with firm conclusion statements.
• Participate in team meetings and design reviews.
• Manage workload against time schedules and report progress regularly to stakeholders.
• Responsible for dealing and collaborating with project stakeholders (internal & external).

Skillset / Experience

• Degree qualified in a STEM subject.
• Proven ability to carry out thermal analysis through the application of hand calculations and Finite Element methods (e.g. ANSYS).
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Carrying out studies to determine the effects of conduction, convection and radiation on the thermal response of systems;
  • Thermal analysis of electronics;
  • Application of MATLAB‑Simulink to deliver thermal studies;
  • Use of CFD to assess thermal behaviour;
  • Scripting using MATLAB or Python.
• Ability to make quick/simple assessments to progress design activities in an efficient manner.
• Self‑motivated and organised individuals, who are great problem solvers and can take responsibility for the delivery of work.
• Ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, as well as independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to network and influence internal and external customers.
• Relevant experience in an equivalent or comparable industry would be advantageous.