Principal Thermal Engineer - Lead Next-Gen HVAC Systems

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High salary package

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Thermal Engineer to lead advanced thermal design and analysis for high‑efficiency HVAC systems in Benoni, Gauteng. You will oversee modeling, validation, and optimization, mentoring engineers across functions.

The role requires a PhD/ME with 10+ years in HVAC, strong CFD experience, and a track record of delivering energy‑efficient solutions while ensuring compliance in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with thermodynamics/heat transfer focus.
• 10+ years in thermal system design, analysis, and development in HVAC or related industries.
• Experience leading complex engineering projects and mentoring engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and optimization of thermal management systems for HVAC equipment.
• Perform thermodynamic and heat transfer analyses using CFD to predict performance and efficiency.
• Develop and validate thermal models for components and full HVAC units.
• Oversee material, refrigerant, and component selection to meet performance and environmental requirements.
• Collaborate across product development, manufacturing, and testing to validate designs.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to a team of engineers.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and energy efficiency standards.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

COMSOL

Star-CCM+

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Thermal Engineer to lead advanced thermal design and analysis for high‑efficiency HVAC systems in Benoni, Gauteng. You will oversee modeling, validation, and optimization, mentoring engineers across functions.

The role requires a PhD/ME with 10+ years in HVAC, strong CFD experience, and a track record of delivering energy‑efficient solutions while ensuring compliance in South Africa.