Principal Thermal Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Provident fund

Annual leave

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Thermal Engineer to join its remote R&D division. You will design and optimize thermal management for advanced energy storage technologies, leading modeling and validation efforts from a home office.

You will mentor engineers, drive innovation, and contribute to the technical roadmap while collaborating with cross-functional teams. A PhD/MSc in thermo/heat transfer with 10+ years of experience is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering with thermo/heat transfer focus.
• 10+ years in thermal engineering, thermodynamics and heat transfer.
• Expertise using CFD/FEA for thermal management and cooling systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis and optimization of thermal management for energy storage devices and power electronics.
• Develop and validate CFD/FEA models to predict performance under varied conditions.
• Conduct theoretical and experimental investigations on heat transfer and fluid flow.
• Define thermal requirements for new product development cycles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate thermal solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical roadmaps.
• Publish technical docs, papers and patent applications; stay current with field advances.
• Troubleshoot complex thermal-related issues in products.

Skills

Thermal modelling

Heat transfer

Thermal management design

Experimental validation

Leadership & mentoring

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering (thermo/heat transfer)

MSc in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering (thermo/heat transfer)

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

STAR-CCM+

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, is seeking an exceptional Principal Thermal Engineer to join their advanced research and development division, remotely. This senior role is designed for an individual with profound expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics, focused on designing and optimizing thermal management systems for cutting-edge energy storage technologies. The ideal candidate will be a thought leader, capable of driving innovation, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing significantly to the company's technological roadmap. You will be instrumental in developing solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and performance of our client's products, working from your home office. This is a fully remote position requiring a high degree of self-discipline and proactive communication, serving the needs of our operations originating from Centurion, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of thermal management systems for advanced energy storage devices and power electronics. Develop and validate complex thermal models using CFD and FEA software to predict system performance under various operating conditions. Conduct theoretical and experimental investigations to understand and improve heat transfer mechanisms and fluid flow characteristics. Define thermal requirements and specifications for new product development cycles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including system architects, electrical engineers, and manufacturing specialists, to integrate thermal solutions seamlessly. Mentor and guide junior thermal engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth within the team. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in thermal engineering, materials science, and related fields, and propose innovative solutions. Author technical documentation, research papers, and patent applications related to thermal management technologies. Troubleshoot and resolve complex thermal-related issues in existing and developmental products.

Requirements

PhD or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field with a specialization in Thermodynamics or Heat Transfer. 10+ years of hands-on experience in thermal engineering, specifically focusing on complex systems such as batteries, power electronics, or industrial cooling. Expertise in advanced CFD (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+) and thermal analysis tools. Demonstrated experience in experimental thermal characterization and validation. Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, fluid mechanics, and material properties relevant to thermal performance. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities. Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor engineering teams. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, essential for a remote role. Must be comfortable working independently and managing workload effectively from a remote location.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives, coupled with comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans. As a fully remote position, this role offers unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. Employees will have access to continuous learning opportunities, including online courses, conferences, and internal workshops. Our client fosters a culture of innovation and provides the necessary tools and resources for remote work success. Additional benefits include a generous provident fund contribution, ample annual leave, and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technologies that shape the future of energy. This role is connected to our Centurion, Gauteng hub but operates entirely remotely.