Principal Thermal Management Engineer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Vacation leave

Professional development

On-site R&D center

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Thermal Management Engineer for our Durban, KwaZulu-Natal facility. You will lead design, development, and implementation of advanced thermal systems for high-performance applications, including energy storage and electronics cooling.

You will guide strategy, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to ensure reliable, efficient thermal performance. Proven leadership and 12+ years' experience are required for this on-site role.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Mechanical/Aerospace with thermal specialization.
• 12+ years in thermal management design/analysis.
• Experience with CFD/FEA and heat transfer.
• Hands-on thermal testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of thermal management solutions for complex systems.
• Perform detailed thermal analysis and simulations using CFD/FEA to predict performance.
• Develop and validate thermal models against experimental data.
• Specify components and materials considering performance and reliability.
• Mentor a team of thermal engineers.
• Oversee prototype testing and validation of thermal systems.
• Stay current with advances in thermal management technologies.

Skills

Heat transfer

CFD

FEA

Thermodynamics

Thermal testing

leadership

communication

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace with thermal specialization

MS in Mechanical Engineering with thermal specialization

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

STAR-CCM+

DAQ systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in advanced energy solutions, is seeking an exceptional Principal Thermal Management Engineer for their state-of-the-art facility in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**. This is an on-site position that requires hands‑on expertise and direct contribution to critical projects. You will be responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of sophisticated thermal management systems for high‑performance applications, including renewable energy storage and advanced electronics cooling. The role demands a deep understanding of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and material science, coupled with extensive experience in thermal modeling and simulation. As a Principal Engineer, you will guide technical strategy, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure optimal system performance, reliability, and efficiency. Your expertise will be crucial in overcoming complex thermal challenges and driving innovation in thermal design.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of innovative thermal management solutions for complex systems.
• Perform detailed thermal analysis and simulations using CFD and FEA tools to predict system performance and identify potential issues.
• Develop and validate thermal models against experimental data.
• Specify and select appropriate components and materials for thermal systems, considering performance, cost, and reliability.
• Collaborate with product development teams to integrate thermal solutions seamlessly into new product designs.
• Oversee prototype testing and validation, ensuring thermal performance meets design specifications.
• Troubleshoot thermal‑related issues encountered during product development and in the field.
• Develop and document design standards, best practices, and procedures for thermal engineering.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of thermal engineers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in thermal management technologies and their applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in thermal sciences.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in thermal management system design and analysis.
• Expertise in heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+).
• Proven experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for thermal and structural applications.
• Hands‑on experience with thermal testing equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Strong understanding of heat pipes, vapor chambers, liquid cooling, and natural convection/forced convection systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Exceptional leadership and communication abilities, with experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a demanding R&D environment.
• Experience in the energy storage or electronics cooling industries is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package.
• This includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a substantial pension plan, and life assurance.
• We offer generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Employees will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• The role is based at our modern R&D center in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• We also provide excellent facilities and resources to support cutting‑edge engineering work.
• We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.