At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead thermal design for high-power electronic systems and optimise cooling solutions.
- Company: Join a leading firm in embedded computing with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, profit share, private health insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence, telecoms, and aerospace industries with your expertise.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in thermal design and strong CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Description
We’re building something powerful. Let’s build it together.
We've delivered high-performance embedded computing solutions for four decades across industries including defence, telecoms, and aerospace.
We’re proud to be experts in what we do and are looking for more brilliant people to join our team.
The Role
We are looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer with strong mechanical design capability to take ownership of thermal performance across complex, high-power electronic systems.
This role requires a deep understanding of heat transfer, coupled with practical mechanical engineering experience to deliver physically robust, manufacturable thermal solutions.
You will be expected to lead thermal design activities end-to-end, shaping architecture decisions, driving analysis, validating performance, and influencing overall system design.
What will I be doing?
- Thermal Design & Analysis
- Own thermal architecture and design for complex electronic systems
- Perform detailed thermal modelling using CFD and analytical approaches
- Define and manage thermal budgets and worst-case analyses
- Develop and optimise cooling solutions (forced air, conduction, hybrid approaches)
- Ensure designs meet performance requirements across full environmental conditions
- Correlate simulation results with physical test data and refine models
- Mechanical Design Integration
- Design and develop thermal hardware (heatsinks, frames, cold plates, enclosures)
- Contribute directly to mechanical design, ensuring thermal considerations are embedded
- Create/review CAD models and engineering drawings
- Ensure manufacturability, robustness, and cost-effective design solutions
- Influence materials selection, surface finishes, and interface design for thermal performance
- System-Level Ownership
- Engage at concept stage to influence system architecture and layout
- Identify thermal risks early and drive mitigation strategies
- Work closely with electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams
- Provide technical input into design reviews and key engineering decisions
- Verification & Testing
- Define and execute thermal validation plans
- Instrument systems and support test activities
- Analyse and present data clearly to stakeholders
- Ensure strong correlation between predicted and measured performance
- Technical Leadership
- Act as subject matter expert for thermal engineering within the team
- Mentor and support junior engineers where required
- Drive improvements in tools, processes, and best practices
What are we looking for?
Experience and Knowledge
- Significant experience in thermal design of electronics or high-power systems
- Strong proficiency in CFD tools (e. g Solid works flow simulation)
- Excellent understanding of heat transfer fundamentals and practical application
- Experience with conduction and air-cooled systems in constrained environment
- Proven hands-on mechanical design experience (not just analysis)
- Strong CAD capability (Solid Works)
- Experience designing thermal/mechanical assemblies for production
- Understanding of tolerancing, interfaces, and real-world build constraints
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of designs from concept through to production
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and lifecycle considerations
Desirable Experience
- Experience in ruggedised or high-reliability systems (e. g. defence, aerospace, industrial)
- Familiarity with relevant environmental or industry standards
- Experience with Heat pipes and Vapour chambers, liquid cooling or high heat flux systems
- Exposure to coupled thermal-structural analysis (FEA)
- Experience supporting bids, proposals, or early concept work
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related discipline
- Chartered status (or working towards) is advantageous
Benefits for working at Concurrent
- 25 days holidays + bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme.
- Annual profit share bonus.
- Cycle to work, Home & Tech and car salary sacrifice schemes.
- Death in service benefit & income protection.
- Employee assistance programme and virtual GP.
- Employee referral scheme.
- Enhanced parental leave.
- Generous company pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
- One paid volunteering day per year.
- Private Health Insurance through Bupa.
- Yu Life wellbeing app.
- Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and believe in the power of a diverse, inclusive team.
We welcome all applications from all suitably qualified people, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age.
Please let us know if you require anything which would enable your success throughout our interview process.
Security Clearance
Please be aware that certain roles working for Concurrent will be subject to security and export control restrictions.
These specific roles are therefore subject to candidates being able to meet BPSS level pre-employment screening criteria.
For more information and guidance about security requirements please visit:
https://www. gov. uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels
GDPR
By applying for this position, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed in accordance with Concurrent's Data Protection Policy.
We will use your information solely for recruitment purposes and will not share it with third parties without your consent.
Your data will be stored securely and retained only as long as necessary for the recruitment process.
You have the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal data at any time.
For more information on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Senior Thermal Engineer employer: Concurrent
Concurrent is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the People and Communications space. With a focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives while working alongside passionate professionals in the vibrant locations of Colchester and Theale/Reading. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and collaboration, ensuring your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Thermal Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Concurrent.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Concurrent love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Concurrent and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Thermal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Concurrent and the Senior Thermal Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Concurrent
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Concurrent.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Concurrent.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Concurrent, making you a more appealing candidate.
