Thermal Systems Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Exposure to innovative thermal tech

Collaborative work environment

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, South Africa, is seeking a Thermal Systems Engineer to design, analyze and validate thermal management for advanced electronics. You will apply heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics to develop cooling strategies and collaborate with R&D, design and manufacturing teams.

The ideal candidate has a BEng in Mechanical Engineering with a thermal focus and at least five years in thermal design and testing, with proficiency in ANSYS Icepak, Flowtherm, or COMSOL.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a thermal focus.
• Minimum 5 years of thermal design and analysis experience.
• Proficient in thermal simulation software (ANSYS Icepak, Flowtherm, COMSOL).
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with thermal testing methodologies and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of materials used in thermal management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work on-site in Upington with some remote design/analysis tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop thermal management systems for electronic products (heat sinks, fans, heat pipes, liquid cooling).
• Perform thermal analysis using simulation tools to predict temperatures and optimize performance.
• Select thermal interface materials based on performance and cost.
• Develop and execute thermal testing protocols to validate designs.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers for proper integration.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation (design specs, analysis, test results).
• Troubleshoot thermal issues during product development, testing or field.
• Stay current with thermal tech and propose innovative solutions.
• Contribute to best practices for thermal design and analysis.

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Thermal testing

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (thermal focus)

Tools

ANSYS Icepak

Flowtherm

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company in advanced cooling solutions for electronics, is seeking a skilled Thermal Systems Engineer to join their team in **Upington, Northern Cape**. This role is essential for the design, analysis, and validation of thermal management systems that ensure optimal operating temperatures for complex electronic devices. The successful candidate will apply their expertise in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics to develop innovative cooling strategies. You will collaborate with R&D, product design, and manufacturing teams to integrate effective thermal solutions into new products. We are looking for an engineer passionate about tackling thermal challenges and contributing to the reliability and performance of cutting-edge technology. This is an excellent opportunity to grow within a specialized field and make a significant impact on product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop thermal management systems for electronic products, including heat sinks, fans, heat pipes, and liquid cooling solutions.
• Perform thermal analysis using simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS Icepak, COMSOL Multiphysics) to predict temperature distributions and optimize performance.
• Select appropriate thermal interface materials and components based on performance requirements and cost considerations.
• Develop and execute thermal testing protocols using specialized equipment (e.g., environmental chambers, thermal cameras) to validate designs.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure proper integration of thermal solutions within product enclosures and systems.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, and test results.
• Troubleshoot thermal issues encountered during product development, testing, or in the field.
• Stay current with advancements in thermal management technologies and recommend innovative solutions.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and methodologies for thermal design and analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with a focus on thermal sciences.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in thermal design and analysis, particularly for electronic devices or similar applications.
• Proficiency in thermal simulation software (e.g., ANSYS Icepak, Flowtherm, COMSOL).
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation), thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with thermal testing methodologies and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of materials commonly used in thermal management.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and contribute to project goals.
• Willingness to work on‑site in **Upington, Northern Cape** with flexibility for some remote design and analysis tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with thermal engineering expertise.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced thermal technologies.
• Exposure to innovative electronic cooling solutions and product development cycles.
• A collaborative work environment focused on technical excellence.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.