Principal Thermal Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 2,400,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation and leave

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, South Africa, is seeking a Principal Thermal Engineer to lead thermal design and analysis for high-performance industrial machinery. The role focuses on CFD-driven optimization, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mentorship of a technical team.

You will drive advanced thermal solutions across challenging global projects. Ideal candidates hold a PhD or Master in Mechanical Engineering with a thermodynamics/heat transfer specialty, and have 12+ years of experience, strong

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with Thermodynamics/Heat Transfer focus.
• 12+ years of advanced thermal engineering experience in industrial machinery or complex systems.
• Proficiency with CFD software and pre/post-processing tools.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of thermal systems in industrial machinery.
• Develop and validate thermal models using CFD and analytical methods.
• Define thermal requirements for new product development and validate against specs.
• Mentor junior engineers and oversee project execution from concept to completion.
• Prepare technical reports, design reviews, and proposals for management and clients.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards and industry regulations.

Skills

CFD analysis

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Numerical modeling

Data acquisition

Mentoring

Project leadership

Technical reporting

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Thermodynamics/Heat Transfer)

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

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

Star-CCM+

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance industrial machinery, is seeking a distinguished Principal Thermal Engineer to join their esteemed engineering division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior role involves leading the thermal design and analysis efforts for complex machinery, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability. You will be at the forefront of innovation, tackling challenging thermal management problems and influencing product development strategy. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), coupled with a proven ability to lead projects and mentor engineering talent. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on high-stakes industrial equipment operating in demanding environments worldwide. Your deep technical knowledge will guide the development of next-generation products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of thermal performance and energy efficiency. We are seeking an individual who can translate complex thermal challenges into practical, innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the thermal design, analysis, and optimization of industrial machinery components and systems. Develop and validate thermal models using advanced CFD software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+) and analytical methods. Define thermal performance requirements and specifications for new product development. Conduct root cause analysis for thermal-related failures and implement robust solutions. Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software) to integrate thermal solutions seamlessly. Stay updated with the latest advancements in thermal management technologies, materials, and simulation techniques. Mentor and guide junior engineers in thermal analysis and design best practices. Prepare and present detailed technical reports, design reviews, and project proposals to management and clients. Contribute to the development of long-term technology roadmaps and R&D initiatives in thermal engineering. Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations related to thermal systems.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Thermodynamics or Heat Transfer. 12+ years of advanced experience in thermal engineering, with a strong focus on industrial machinery or complex systems. Demonstrated expertise in CFD analysis, numerical modeling, and experimental validation of thermal systems. Proficiency with industry-standard CFD software packages and pre/post-processing tools. Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects from concept to completion. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with experience presenting to technical and non-technical audiences. Strong leadership qualities and the ability to mentor and develop engineering teams. Experience with data acquisition systems and experimental thermal testing is highly desirable. Must have legal authorization to work in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive-level salary and an exceptional bonus structure tied to individual and company performance. Comprehensive benefits include top-tier medical and dental coverage, a robust retirement savings plan, and generous paid vacation. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training, conference attendance, and leadership development programs. The work environment in Durban is dynamic and innovative, with access to cutting-edge simulation tools and laboratory facilities. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement, providing a platform for impactful contributions to global industry. Further details regarding specific projects and benefits will be shared during the interview process.