Chief Thermal Engineer – Energy Storage Systems

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Career progression in renewable energy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer with expert thermal management for on-site work in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead thermal analyses and design cooling strategies for high‑power energy storage systems to ensure reliable, efficient operation.

This senior role requires 10+ years in mechanical engineering, CFD proficiency (ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, COMSOL), and proven leadership. You will mentor engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and advance IP while ensuring safety

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Mechanical Engineering with heat transfer/thermodynamics focus.
• 10+ years in mechanical engineering with 5+ years in thermal design.
• Strong CFD and experimental thermal measurement experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design and analysis for high-power energy storage systems.
• Perform advanced thermal simulations (ANSYS, STAR-CCM+, COMSOL).
• Develop cooling strategies including liquid cooling and phase-change materials.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Ensure safety and standards compliance in thermal systems.

Skills

Thermal management

CFD simulation

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Heat Transfer/Thermodynamics)

Master's in Mechanical Engineering (Heat Transfer/Thermodynamics)

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

Star-CCM+

COMSOL

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer with expert thermal management for on-site work in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead thermal analyses and design cooling strategies for high‑power energy storage systems to ensure reliable, efficient operation.

This senior role requires 10+ years in mechanical engineering, CFD proficiency (ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, COMSOL), and proven leadership. You will mentor engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and advance IP while ensuring safety