Senior Automotive Thermal Management Engineer

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Career growth

Advanced simulation facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Thermal Management Engineer in Kimberley to lead the design, analysis, and validation of thermal systems for engines, powertrains, batteries, and cabin climate control. You will optimize operating temperatures, improve efficiency, and contribute to overall performance through advanced simulations and rigorous testing.

The role requires a strong background in CFD/thermal tools, heat transfer, and automotive development standards, with collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus on thermal sciences.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive thermal management design and analysis.
• Proficiency in CFD software and thermal analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with automotive cooling systems, HVAC, and battery thermal management is desirable.
• Familiarity with automotive development processes and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Experience in testing and validation of thermal components and systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop thermal management systems for automotive applications, including cooling, heating, and ventilation.
• Perform thermal analysis using simulation tools (e.g., CFD, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+) to predict component and system performance.
• Specify thermal components such as radiators, fans, heat exchangers, pumps, and insulation.
• Conduct experimental testing and validation of thermal systems in laboratory and vehicle environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including powertrain, electrical, and vehicle integration engineers, to achieve optimal thermal performance.
• Analyze test data, identify thermal issues, and develop effective solutions.
• Ensure thermal management systems meet performance, efficiency, cost, and packaging targets.
• Stay current with advancements in thermal management technologies and industry best practices.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, and test procedures.
• Troubleshoot thermal-related issues throughout the product development lifecycle in Kimberley.

Skills

CFD software

Thermal analysis

Heat transfer

Automotive cooling systems

Battery thermal management

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with thermal focus

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

STAR-CCM+

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Kimberley automotive sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Thermal Management Engineer. This vital role involves the design, analysis, and validation of thermal management systems for a wide range of automotive components and vehicles, including engines, powertrains, batteries, and cabin climate control systems. You will be responsible for ensuring optimal operating temperatures, enhancing efficiency, and contributing to the overall performance and longevity of vehicle systems. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your specialized skills in a challenging and innovative environment, working with cutting-edge technologies in the heart of Kimberley.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop thermal management systems for automotive applications, including cooling, heating, and ventilation.
• Perform thermal analysis using simulation tools (e.g., CFD, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+) to predict component and system performance.
• Specify thermal components such as radiators, fans, heat exchangers, pumps, and insulation.
• Conduct experimental testing and validation of thermal systems in laboratory and vehicle environments.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including powertrain, electrical, and vehicle integration engineers, to achieve optimal thermal performance.
• Analyze test data, identify thermal issues, and develop effective solutions.
• Ensure thermal management systems meet performance, efficiency, cost, and packaging targets.
• Stay current with advancements in thermal management technologies and industry best practices.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, and test procedures.
• Troubleshoot thermal‑related issues throughout the product development lifecycle in Kimberley.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on thermal sciences.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive thermal management system design and analysis.
• Proficiency in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software and thermal analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with automotive cooling systems, HVAC, and battery thermal management is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with automotive development processes and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience in testing and validation of thermal components and systems.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. Employees will have access to advanced simulation and testing facilities, ongoing training, and significant opportunities for career growth within the organization. Join a dedicated team focused on innovation and excellence in automotive engineering in Kimberley.