At a Glance
- Tasks: Join multidisciplinary teams to analyse and improve thermal performance in cutting-edge Defence products.
- Company: Leonardo, a leader in Defence technology with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Generous leave, award-winning pension, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Defence while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering and experience in thermal engineering.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Your impact
You’ll work at the heart of multidisciplinary project teams, advising on thermal performance and ensuring our products meet demanding environmental and operational requirements. This role is ideal for someone with a strong analytical mindset, a flair for problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex interdependencies across multiple programmes and business units. Leonardo is seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to play a key role in the development and production of leading-edge Defence products within Land, Naval, Seeker and Space domains supporting both new innovations and proven legacy products. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting Thermal Analysis, communicating the results and advising on all aspects of Thermal Engineering activities. The role will involve working with multi-discipline project teams and our Customers across the UK.
What you’ll do
- Conduct thermal analysis of mechanical designs to assess performance and safety using thermal analysis software, CFD techniques, and classical hand calculations.
- Provide expert guidance on cooling strategies and recommend thermal design improvements as required.
- Advise on materials and manufacturing techniques with an emphasis on thermal performance and mechanical integrity.
- Define thermal requirements and develop methods for verifying compliance across Leonardo products.
- Drive innovation in thermal design, introducing new technologies and methodologies.
- Support product development through all phases—from design and testing to final certification.
- Deliver thermal solutions that meet performance requirements on time and within budget.
- Contribute to technical documentation, including material for peer reviews and stage/gate approvals.
All members of the Analysis Team are encouraged and supported to continually develop their skills, including (but not limited to) Structural, Thermal, Pressure and Model Driven domains. This role is located at our team facility but may require occasional travel to our other UK sites.
What you’ll bring
- Degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering.
- Post-graduate experience in Thermal engineering.
- Proven expertise in thermal analysis, with a track record of developing equipment for challenging and extreme operating environments.
- Proficiency in CFD tools, preferably Ansys Icepak and Ansys Fluent, alongside a solid foundation in classical hand calculation methods.
- Experience of environmental test methods for design verification and working knowledge of design certification for land based and airborne equipment.
- Knowledge of Regulatory Standards including but not limited to: Def Stan 00-970, Health and Safety HSE Regulations including Hazardous Waste Regulation.
- Compliance with Pressure Equipment Regulation, Pressure System Safety Regulation and Fluorinated Gas Regulations.
- Awareness of equipment safety compliance requirements, including the ability to support inspection processes and generate fault and failure reports.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence the direction of both internal and external customers.
- A proven problem solver with a practical, pragmatic approach.
- Ability to take ownership of work packages, planning and scheduling own workload and the work of others.
Desirable
- It is advantageous for the candidate to have experience in the design, development and test of electronics packaging and/or aerospace equipment.
- Experience of manufacturing and joining techniques, engineering material properties.
- Professional recognition as a Chartered Engineer and full membership of a relevant engineering institution (e.g. IMechE).
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Working Pattern
Onsite regularly, up to 5 days a week (37 hours standard work week, overtime if approved by project and employee) to deliver security classification and role specific tasks for projects. The company allows hybrid working so working from home is possible when project work allows. Basildon is the primary location option but Southampton or Bristol is possible.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) and ITAR may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Life at Leonardo
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
Immigration, EEO & Inclusive Hiring
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Primary Location GB - Basildon
Additional Locations GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Southampton
Contract Type Permanent
Hybrid Working Hybrid
Principal Thermal Engineer in Basildon employer: 慨正橡扯
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous leave, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to over 4,000 online courses, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Basildon, with opportunities for hybrid working, we foster an inclusive environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our mission to develop cutting-edge Defence products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Thermal Engineer in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to thermal engineering. Think about how you can showcase your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, especially those involving thermal analysis and innovative cooling strategies. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Leonardo.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Thermal Engineer in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in thermal engineering. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; give examples of how you've applied your skills in real-world situations. We want to see your problem-solving flair and analytical mindset in action!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your application is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role you’re interested in.
How to prepare for a job interview at 慨正橡扯
✨Know Your Thermal Analysis Tools
Make sure you’re well-versed in the thermal analysis software mentioned in the job description, like Ansys Icepak and Ansys Fluent. Brush up on your CFD techniques and classical hand calculations, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex thermal engineering challenges. Highlight your analytical mindset and how you’ve driven innovation in past projects, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with the relevant regulatory standards such as Def Stan 00-970 and Pressure Equipment Regulations. Being able to speak confidently about compliance and safety requirements will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial, consider preparing a few key points about your experience that you can share during the interview to influence both internal and external stakeholders.
