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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to analyse and improve thermal performance in cutting-edge defence technology.
- Company: Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, committed to innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, mental health support, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-tech projects while collaborating with diverse teams in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering with experience in thermal analysis and CFD tools.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working options and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description:
Your impact
Shape the future of defence technology. Join Leonardo.
Leonardo is seeking an experienced Senior Thermal Engineer to play a key role in the development and production of cutting-edge Electronic Warfare (EW) systems—supporting both new innovations and proven legacy products. Based at our Luton site, this role offers the flexibility of hybrid working and the opportunity to make a tangible impact across a wide range of high-tech defence projects.
You’ll work at the heart of multidisciplinary project teams, advising on thermal performance and ensuring our products meet demanding environmental and operational requirements. This role is ideal for someone with a strong analytical mindset, a flair for problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex interdependencies across multiple programmes and business units.
What you’ll do as a Senior Thermal Engineer:
- Conduct thermal analysis of mechanical designs to assess performance and safety using thermal analysis software, CFD techniques, and classical hand calculations.
- Provide expert guidance on cooling strategies and recommend thermal design improvements as required.
- Advise on materials and manufacturing techniques with an emphasis on thermal performance and mechanical integrity.
- Define thermal requirements and develop methods for verifying compliance across Leonardo products.
- Drive innovation in thermal design, introducing new technologies and methodologies.
- Support product development through all phases—from design and testing to final certification.
- Deliver thermal solutions that meet performance requirements on time and within budget.
- Contribute to technical documentation, including material for peer reviews and stage/gate approvals.
- Collaborate across sites and with suppliers and customers through occasional travel.
What you’ll bring
- Degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering with post-graduate experience in Thermal engineering.
- Proven expertise in thermal analysis, with a track record of developing equipment for challenging and extreme operating environments.
- Proficiency in CFD tools, preferably Ansys Icepak and Ansys Fluent, alongside a solid foundation in classical hand calculation methods.
- A good understanding of environmental testing for design verification, with familiarity in Mil-Std-810 and RTCA DO-160 standards considered a strong asset.
- Knowledge of Regulatory Standards including but not limited to: Def Stan 00-970, Health and Safety HSE Regulations including Hazardous Waste Regulation. Compliance with Pressure Equipment Regulation, Pressure System Safety Regulation and Fluorinated Gas Regulations.
- Awareness of equipment safety compliance requirements, including the ability to support inspection processes and generate fault and failure reports.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you\’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger – apply now!
Primary Location:
GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300
Contract Type:
Hybrid Working:
Hybrid #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Thermal Engineer employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Thermal Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific thermal analysis software mentioned in the job description, such as Ansys Icepak and Ansys Fluent. Having hands-on experience or even completing relevant online courses can give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees at Leonardo, especially those in thermal engineering roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in thermal engineering and defence technology. Being able to discuss recent innovations or case studies during your interview can demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you've managed complex projects in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your analytical mindset and ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, as these are key aspects of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Thermal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in thermal engineering, particularly any work with thermal analysis software and CFD techniques. Use specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Leonardo and how your background aligns with their needs. Mention your degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering and any specific projects that showcase your expertise in thermal performance.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in tools like Ansys Icepak and Ansys Fluent, as well as your understanding of regulatory standards. This will show that you have the technical skills necessary for the position.
Show Willingness to Learn: Leonardo values a good attitude and willingness to learn. In your application, mention any instances where you've taken the initiative to learn new skills or technologies, especially in challenging environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Senior Thermal Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your proficiency in thermal analysis and CFD tools like Ansys Icepak and Ansys Fluent. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, highlighting the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant regulatory standards such as Def Stan 00-970 and Mil-Std-810. During the interview, be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in past projects and how you would approach this in your new role.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Skills
Leonardo values candidates with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Prepare examples of complex problems you've solved in previous roles, particularly those related to thermal performance and environmental testing.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This role involves working within multidisciplinary teams, so it's important to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you've worked with diverse teams, focusing on how you contributed to achieving common goals.
