Senior Thermal Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development funding

Access to advanced simulation tools

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to lead the design, simulation and testing of advanced thermal management solutions for high-power electronics and automotive systems.

The role requires a strong background in heat transfer, CFD (ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+), and hands-on experience with thermal measurement methods. You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with R&D teams to deliver robust cooling solutions in a hybrid office/remote setup.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Heat Transfer or Thermodynamics.
• 5+ years of experience in thermal engineering, specifically in electronics or automotive applications.
• Proficiency in CFD software is essential.
• Strong knowledge of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with thermal measurement techniques and equipment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Good communication skills and ability to present technical findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop passive and active thermal management solutions (e.g., heat sinks, fans, liquid cooling systems).
• Perform detailed thermal analysis using CFD software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+).
• Conduct thermal testing and characterization of components and systems under various operating conditions.
• Collaborate with product development teams to define thermal requirements and integrate solutions into product designs.
• Analyze test data, identify thermal issues, and recommend design modifications.
• Develop and maintain thermal models and documentation.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in thermal management technologies and techniques.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team in Durban.

Skills

CFD software

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Electronics/Automotive thermal

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

Star-CCM+

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in advanced thermal management solutions for the electronics and automotive industries, is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to join their esteemed R&D department in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is crucial for developing innovative cooling systems and ensuring optimal thermal performance of high-power electronic devices. The incumbent will play a lead role in designing, simulating, and testing thermal solutions, contributing significantly to product development cycles. We are looking for a candidate with a deep understanding of heat transfer principles and a proven ability to solve complex thermal challenges. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on state-of-the-art technology within the dynamic **Durban** industrial landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop passive and active thermal management solutions (e.g., heat sinks, fans, liquid cooling systems).
• Perform detailed thermal analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+).
• Conduct thermal testing and characterization of components and systems under various operating conditions.
• Collaborate with product development teams to define thermal requirements and integrate solutions into product designs.
• Analyze test data, identify thermal issues, and recommend design modifications.
• Develop and maintain thermal models and documentation.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in thermal management technologies and techniques.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team in **Durban**.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Heat Transfer or Thermodynamics.
• 5+ years of experience in thermal engineering, specifically in electronics or automotive applications.
• Proficiency in CFD software is essential.
• Strong knowledge of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with thermal measurement techniques and equipment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Good communication skills and ability to present technical findings clearly.
• Familiarity with the industrial sector in **KwaZulu-Natal** is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Professional development funding and opportunities for advanced training.
• Access to advanced simulation tools and laboratory equipment.
• A hybrid work model that balances office and remote work.
• Company-sponsored social events and team-building activities.
• Contribution to cutting-edge product development.