Fluid Systems Development Engineer (Project Engineer) in Bristol

Overview

Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering design, simulation, build, and consultancy support to clients across Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Built Environment, and Chemical Process industries — both in the UK and internationally. We enable our clients to accelerate innovation and improve performance through high-quality engineering delivery, ranging from early concept development to advanced R&D testing.

We are seeking a capable and adaptable Systems Development Engineer (Project Engineer) to support the design, development, and delivery of bespoke fluid and mechanical systems. Based out of our Bristol Aztec office, with regular collaboration with our Cotswold Airport Hot and Cold Fuel Test Facility, you’ll contribute to projects involving complex system integration, instrumentation, and build support for R&D and prototype systems.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused engineering role suited to candidates with experience in physical system development — from initial concept through to test and commissioning — within a requirements-driven systems engineering framework. It sits at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems engineering, with a strong emphasis on practical problem-solving, real-world engineering judgment and collaborative project delivery.

Responsibilities

• System Design & Integration
  • Support the design and integration of test rigs, fluid circuits, and development systems, producing technical artefacts such as schematics, system architectures, P&IDs, mechanical layouts, and component specifications
• Build & Commissioning Support
  • Engage with internal technicians, suppliers, and clients to support the physical build and commissioning of complex systems, ensuring safe and efficient operation
• Instrumentation & Controls Collaboration
  • Work alongside electrical and controls engineers to integrate instrumentation, sensors, heaters, and DAQ/control systems into fluid or mechanical platforms
• Technical Documentation
  • Create and maintain design records, compliance matrices, technical reports, bills of materials, and test documentation as part of a structured project lifecycle
• Client-Facing Delivery
  • Represent the company in client meetings, providing technical updates and ensuring alignment between internal delivery and customer expectations
• Multidisciplinary Coordination
  • Collaborate across engineering teams to ensure consistency, quality, and traceability of work across the mechanical, electrical, and controls domains
• Continuous Improvement
  • Feed learning and experience from each project back into tools, templates, and workflows to strengthen our development capability
• Grade Expectations
  • At project engineer grade, you are expected to:
  • Deliver engineering work packages with a moderate level of complexity
  • Apply independent judgment on technical matters within your experience
  • Escalate risk and uncertainty proactively
  • Support more senior engineers in system-level delivery
  • Mentor junior staff when appropriate
  • Balance technical detail with delivery pace and client responsiveness

Skills / Qualifications

• Engineering Background
• BEng or MEng degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, or General Engineering (or demonstrably equivalent practical experience)
• Exposure to system-level development, ideally including requirement decomposition, system architecture, and V&V strategies
• Practical understanding of pipework design, flow/pressure drop, thermal management, and component sizing
• Experience supporting system builds, test rig assembly, or hardware commissioning in a development or prototype environment
• Familiarity with pressure, flow, temperature, and electrical measurement devices, and their selection and integration
• Competence producing fluid mechanical schematics, general arrangements, and other technical supporting documentation
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams and communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and clients
• Experience in aerospace
• Exposure to cryogenic, high-pressure, or hazardous fluid systems
• Knowledge of National Instruments hardware, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or equivalent DAQ tools
• Familiarity with test facility standards (e.g. PED, ATEX, BS EN 13445)
• Experience authoring technical procedures, method statements, or TRRs
• Interest in progressing toward chartership or leadership roles in systems development

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Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.