Vehicle Test & Development Engineer - Thermal Systems

Vehicle Test & Development Engineer - Thermal Systems

Full-Time 42000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us to test and develop cutting-edge thermal systems for vehicles.
  • Company: JLR, a leader in innovative automotive engineering.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous parental leave policies.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on vehicle performance while solving complex engineering challenges.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering with hands-on experience in vehicle testing and thermodynamics.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52000 £ per year.

Product Engineering at JLR is centred on innovation and creativity. From advanced driver assistance systems to developing the future of electric propulsion, the opportunities to create exceptional experiences for the future of motoring are wide-ranging. You'll work alongside industry experts to drive product strategy, manage programs, analyse performance, and lead transformation initiatives. Exceptional careers that bring world-renowned vehicles to life start here.

Come and join JLR as a Vehicle Test & Development Engineer – Thermal Systems! You’ll be working at the forefront of vehicle thermal performance across a range of programmes. This is a hands-on role focused on delivering robust test and development activities, supporting both test method development and final engineering sign-off across facility-based and in-market environments.

You’ll be involved in a broad range of thermal testing responsibilities, supporting powertrain cooling, thermal energy efficiency, driveline, and hybrid system development requirements. The role also covers the wider engine bay and underbody thermal robustness validation, ensuring all components perform reliably in global markets. Working across the full development lifecycle, you’ll contribute data inputs from current car into concept development and target setting through to prototype test planning and execution, and validation across rigs, test facilities, and real-world in market environmental conditions.

This is an opportunity to combine practical, hands-on vehicle testing with engineering analysis, undertaking whole vehicle testing and data analysis to support delivery and issue resolution. You’ll play a key part in developing and validating thermal performance and efficiency attributes across SVO programmes. It’s well suited to someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and seeing their work directly impact vehicle performance.

WHAT TO EXPECT

You can expect a varied and rewarding role, where your day-to-day will involve tasks such as:

  • Develop instrumentation plans in collaboration with the SVO Test and development lead engineer, SVO PAT Leaders and CAE engineers ahead of vehicle builds.
  • Support prototype builds, ensuring correct instrumentation fitment and the integration of updated or ad-hoc components.
  • Prepare vehicles for CWT and in-market testing, working closely with lead engineers to ensure readiness and accuracy.
  • Support planning of prototype DVP activities in conjunction with SVO PAT Leaders.
  • Conduct CWT and in-market testing, including data processing and analysis, collaborating with engineering teams to interpret results.
  • Support the development and validation of thermal solutions to address issues identified during testing.
  • Lead in-market testing activities, including planning, execution, and analysis of data, while supporting ongoing method development and correlation activities.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

We’re looking for someone with the right blend of experience, qualifications, and practical skills, including:

  • Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) with a strong track record in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamic principles, particularly in relation to vehicle systems.
  • Proven experience in prototype vehicle preparation, ensuring readiness for testing activities.
  • Hands-on experience with vehicle instrumentation, including setup and validation of test equipment.
  • Good understanding of vehicle systems and their interactions, particularly cooling systems, HVAC, and exhausts.
  • Experience using INCA and vehicle diagnostic tools, with the ability to interpret and act on data outputs.
  • Experience of in-market testing, ideally within hot climate environments (e.g. Nardò, Nürburgring, Dubai, Grossglockner), with a proactive, self-motivated approach and the ability to work independently as well as part of a wider team.

BENEFITS

This role is rewarding in more ways than one. On top of our core offering, you’ll do extraordinary work with amazing people. In addition, you can expect a wide range of benefits:

  • Discounted car purchase (open to family members, too).
  • A 52 week maternity leave policy and a 4 week paternity leave policy. Other parental leave policies are available.
  • A competitive pension.
  • A JLR company performance-related bonus.
  • An employee learning scheme providing funding for education, training and other activities which support the development of personal skills and promote lifelong learning.
  • Access to open, employee-led support and social networks.
  • Comprehensive Life Assurance and Income Protection policies.
  • Flexible working.

Creating Modern Luxury requires a modern approach to work. At JLR, hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement providing employees more choice and flexibility around how, when and where they work. Some roles require more on-site work, but details of this can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview stage. We work hard to nurture a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We understand candidates may require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please discuss these with your recruiter so we can accommodate your needs. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome. If you’re unsure that you meet the full criteria of a role – but you're interested in where it could take you – we still encourage you to apply. We believe in people's ability to grow and develop within their role – it’s what makes living the exceptional with soul possible. JLR is committed to equal opportunity for all.

Vehicle Test & Development Engineer - Thermal Systems employer: Jobs at JLR

At JLR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Gaydon, Warwick, where innovation and creativity thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive learning schemes, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us as a Vehicle Test & Development Engineer – Thermal Systems, and be part of a team that not only shapes the future of motoring but also supports your personal and professional development.

J

Contact Details:

Jobs at JLR Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Vehicle Test & Development Engineer - Thermal Systems

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to thermal systems. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your hands-on experience! Bring examples of your previous work or projects to the interview. We want to see how you’ve tackled real-world challenges in vehicle testing and development.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Test & Development Engineer - Thermal Systems

Thermodynamic Principles
Vehicle Instrumentation
Prototype Vehicle Preparation
Data Processing and Analysis
Cooling Systems Knowledge
HVAC Systems Understanding
Exhaust Systems Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vehicle Test & Development Engineer role. Highlight your experience with thermodynamic principles and vehicle systems, as well as any hands-on testing you've done. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about thermal systems and how your background makes you a great fit for JLR. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection to the role.

Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience, especially in prototype vehicle preparation and in-market testing. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the JLR team. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jobs at JLR

Know Your Thermodynamics

Brush up on your thermodynamic principles, especially as they relate to vehicle systems. Be ready to discuss how these principles apply to thermal performance and efficiency in vehicles, as this will show your understanding of the role's core responsibilities.

Hands-On Experience Matters

Prepare to share specific examples of your hands-on experience with vehicle instrumentation and prototype preparation. Highlight any relevant projects where you ensured readiness for testing activities, as practical skills are crucial for this position.

Data Analysis Skills

Familiarise yourself with data processing and analysis techniques. Be prepared to discuss how you've used tools like INCA in past roles, and how you interpreted data outputs to drive decisions. This will demonstrate your analytical capabilities.

In-Market Testing Insights

If you've had experience with in-market testing, especially in challenging climates, make sure to mention it. Discuss any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.