Thermal Systems Engineer - Contract

Thermal Systems Engineer

Contract (9 Months)

Location:

Midlands-based, UK

An industry-leading engineering and testing organisation is seeking a

Thermal Systems Engineer

to join its Energy Optimisation team on a

9-month contract . This role is ideal for someone with

strong hands-on experience in thermal systems bench testing

and a solid background in

automotive refrigerant and air conditioning systems .

You'll play a key role in testing, analysing, and optimising Vehicle Thermal Management Systems (VTMS) for next- battery electric (BEV) and fuel cell electric (FCEV) vehicles, working in a highly collaborative and technically advanced environment.

The Role:

This position involves both bench and climatic vehicle testing of thermal systems, focusing on efficiency, performance, and control development. Youll be supporting real-world test campaigns and using simulation tools where required, but the

emphasis is on practical, hands-on engineering .

Key responsibilities:

Leading and supporting

bench testing

of automotive thermal systems including

air conditioning and heat pump systems .

Overseeing

test rig preparation and instrumentation

at component and system level.

Running and monitoring the Thermal Systems Test Bench in line with customer requirements.

Capturing, processing, and analysing test data with a focus on thermodynamic performance.

Producing detailed technical reports and presenting findings.

Supporting the development of 1D models (GT-Suite) and contributing to climatic vehicle testing for benchmarking and optimisation.

What Were Looking For:

Essential:

A degree in Mechanical, Thermal, or Electro-mechanical Engineering.

Proven experience working with refrigerant systems, mobile air conditioning (MAC), and/or heat pump systems

in an automotive or similar environment.

Strong hands-on experience with thermal system bench testing

from rig setup and instrumentation to execution and analysis.

Solid knowledge of thermodynamics and thermal energy systems.

Proficiency in data processing and reporting using Microsoft Excel.

Confident technical reporting and communication skills.

:

Experience using 1D simulation tools such as GT-Suite.

Knowledge of vehicle cooling systems and energy management in electrified powertrains.

Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink and climate control development.

Exposure to systems engineering processes and V-cycle methodology.

Who This Would Suit:

This contract would suit someone currently working in a test and development role focused on HVAC, thermal systems or energy optimisation

ideally within the automotive sector. Candidates from related sectors (e.g. aerospace, rail, building systems) with hands-on refrigerant system experience are also encouraged to apply.

Youll Need To Be:

Practical, precise, and proactive in test execution.

A clear communicator, able to convey technical findings effectively.

Comfortable working to deadlines and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.

Analytical, yet pragmatic in your problem-solving approach.

Flexible and motivated, with a full UK driving licence.

Contract Details:

Inside IR35

Initial 9-month contract

Average 37.25 hours per week

TPBN1_UKTJ