At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop thermal management systems for advanced electric propulsion products.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a personalised career path, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborate with passionate teams and work on diverse projects across various industries.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of electrification technology and shape the future of sustainable engineering.
- Qualifications: Strong background in thermal engineering and experience with complex engineering products required.
The predicted salary is between 48231 - 58949 £ per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation.
As a Senior Thermal Systems Design Engineer, you will join our engineering team to support our activities within the aerospace sector. You will play a key role in the design and development of thermal management systems for advanced electric propulsion products, including electric motors, electronic control units, and complete Electric Propulsion Units (EPUs). Working at the forefront of electrification technology, you will combine expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer to develop innovative, manufacturable solutions that optimise performance, efficiency, and durability.
Location: Bicester
On Site: Hybrid
Clearance: Clearable
Experience Level: Senior (5-15 years of experience)
Key Responsibilities:
- Own the thermal system design for electric propulsion products and associated technologies
- Develop thermal management solutions for motors, power electronics, and complete Electric Propulsion Units (EPUs)
- Analyse and optimise sealed liquid cooling systems, including heat exchangers, pumps, coolant circuits, and airflow management
- Perform thermal and fluid flow simulations to support product development activities
- Validate analysis results against real-world operating conditions and provide engineering recommendations
- Specify cooling system components, including pumps, heat exchangers, and airflow requirements
- Support the development of innovative thermal management concepts to improve product performance and durability
- Guide and support junior CAE Engineers, Designers, and Systems Engineers during the design process
- Work closely with suppliers and customers to resolve technical challenges and deliver optimal engineering solutions
- Ensure designs are suitable for assembly, manufacture, and volume production
- Produce technical specifications, reports, and engineering documentation throughout the product lifecycle
- Support testing and validation activities to verify analytical models and design assumptions
Required Skills:
- Strong background in thermal engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
- Experience designing thermal systems for complex engineering products
- Practical understanding of electric machines, rotating equipment, or electromechanical systems
- Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and thermal analysis techniques
- Proficiency with engineering analysis tools such as ANSYS Fluent or equivalent CFD software
- Ability to assess complex engineering problems and develop practical, manufacturable solutions
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
- Proven experience delivering thermal design solutions for advanced engineering products
- Experience supporting products through design, analysis, testing, and validation phases
- Strong understanding of engineering development processes and product lifecycles
Desirable Skills:
- Experience within electric propulsion, electrification, electric vehicles, aerospace, or advanced mobility sectors
- Knowledge of electric motor cooling and power electronics thermal management
- Experience with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar engineering software
- Understanding of Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Design for Assembly (DfA) principles
- Experience working with external suppliers and customers on technical development projects
- Familiarity with physical testing and correlation of simulation results
Why join us? We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance.
Thermal Design Engineer in Bicester employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where passionate engineers collaborate on innovative projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. Located in Broughton, employees benefit from a personalised career path, ongoing learning opportunities, and a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages growth. With a range of benefits including private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to the Armed Forces community, ALTEN is dedicated to creating a rewarding and meaningful workplace for all its team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Thermal Design Engineer in Bicester
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Thermal Design Engineer role you’re after at ALTEN.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at ALTEN a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at ALTEN.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Thermal Design Engineer at ALTEN, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Thermal Design Engineer in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Thermal Design Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at ALTEN a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to ALTEN specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with ALTEN, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like ALTEN want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
