Principal Thermal Engineer

Meritus; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Stevenage is seeking a Principal Thermal Engineer to take technical ownership of thermal analysis activities. This role requires delivering thermal analysis work, utilizing tools such as ANSYS and MATLAB. Candidates should possess a degree in a STEM discipline and have a proven background in thermal analysis. The position is onsite, full-time, and offers the opportunity to work in a major defense engineering environment alongside highly skilled colleagues.

Qualifications

• Proven background in thermal analysis.
• Experience with heat transfer modelling using analytical and FEA methods.
• Quick, practical assessments to support design decisions.

Responsibilities

• Take technical ownership of thermal analysis activities.
• Deliver packages of thermal analysis work with clear conclusions.
• Present findings in reports and at design reviews.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Communication skills

Heat transfer modelling

MATLAB

Python scripting

Education

Degree in a STEM discipline

Tools

ANSYS

CFD tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Principal Thermal Engineer - Stevenage

Location: Stevenage
Duration: 12 months, with potential extension
Rate: Up to £50 per hour (Umbrella)
Clearance: SC required to start
Working Pattern: Onsite role (minimum 3 days per week, but assume full-time onsite)

The Role

You’ll take technical ownership of thermal analysis activities, supporting projects from early concept stages through to final performance evidence. This includes:

• Delivering packages of thermal analysis work with clear conclusions
• Using a mix of hand calculations and Finite Element methods (e.g. ANSYS)
• Producing thermal studies involving conduction, convection and radiation
• Supporting thermal analysis of electronic assemblies and embedded systems
• Using MATLAB/Simulink, CFD tools or Python/MATLAB scripting where required
• Presenting findings in reports and at design reviews
• Working closely with multi-disciplinary teams and project stakeholders
• Managing your workload and providing regular progress updates

This position is ideal for someone who combines technical depth with strong communication skills and enjoys collaborating across engineering disciplines.

What We’re Looking For

Degree in a STEM discipline (or equivalent experience)

Proven background in thermal analysis

Experience with heat transfer modelling using analytical and FEA methods

Desirable

• Thermal analysis of electronic systems
• MATLAB/Simulink thermal modelling
• CFD for thermal behaviour
• Python/MATLAB scripting

Ability to make quick, practical assessments to support design decisions

Confident communicator able to collaborate with internal and external teams

Experience from defence, aerospace or electronics sectors is beneficial

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to take a key role in a major defence engineering environment, working alongside highly skilled colleagues and contributing to products used globally. The project work is varied, technically challenging and makes a measurable impact.