Senior Technical Specialist – Thermal Engineer (R&T) in Bicester

Evolito’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of electric propulsion in aerospace applications in support of a net-zero world. We will help to revolutionise personal mobility and transform our towns and cities with clean, noise-free air transportation. Evolito develops and manufactures class-leading, lightweight, high-power, and high-torque-density electric propulsion systems for a range of aerospace markets, including EVTOL, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and General Aviation. As well as ultra-high performance, low-weight electric motors and controllers, Evolito specialises in high integrity, bespoke battery systems for the aerospace and defence markets. The team is scaling rapidly and has ambitious growth plans over the next twelve to eighteen months.

As part of our current high-growth phase, we are creating our Research and Technology (R&T) team and are looking for a Senior Technical Specialist – Thermal Engineer to join us. The R&T team is responsible for the development of new systems, electric machines and power control electronics in support of new and existing customers. This includes electric propulsion systems, electrical generation systems and power management systems for all-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.

As the Senior Technical Specialist – Thermal Engineer, you will deliver the design of thermal systems for new product, including motors, electronic units and whole electric propulsion units (EPU), based on the combined evaluation of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. In addition, you will be responsible for the design and development of new concepts to optimise EPU performance and durability that are suitable for manufacture, as well as specify and guide physical testing required to verify CAE analyses and provide data to support conclusions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Owning the design of thermal systems for Evolito's product range
• Validate and assess results against real-world constraints and draw sound conclusions
• Guide Designers and Systems Engineers during the design phase for optimised solutions based on thermal and pressure drop results
• Analysis of complete/sealed liquid cooling systems including major loss contributors and heat dissipators
• Specification of pumps for coolant flows and required airflow to support liquid/air heat exchangers
• Specification of heat exchangers based on cooling requirements and fluid flow rates
• Liaise with key suppliers and customers on design and development issues, resolve to the optimal solution and understand the compromises
• Understand design for assembly and constraints for high volume manufacture
• Write specifications and reports as required through the product lifecycle, utilising a structured approach to problem-solving techniques.

Skills and experience required:

• Degree or equivalent in a degree related to thermal engineering
• Strong mechanical or electrical engineering background, but more importantly, be able to apply knowledge to real-world situations
• Practical knowledge in the design, use, and application of electric machines or rotational/complex components
• Experience with finite element analysis methods e.g. CFD and programs e.g. ANSYS Fluent
• Self-sufficient and able to work with minimal managerial input
• Confident with customers and suppliers, able to detail requirements and understand issues
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), good collaboration skills, and the ability to work effectively across teams
• Results-orientated, and able to deliver business value
• Self-motivated with the determination to succeed
• A flexible approach to work with the desire to thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving environment
• Willingness to travel as required.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with programming e.g. Python, or using programmes in LabView or MATLAB