Thermal Design Engineer

Thermal Design Engineer

Oxford Temporary 40000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and optimise thermal systems for vehicles, ensuring performance and efficiency.
  • Company: Join a leading automotive engineering team focused on innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the electric vehicle industry.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's in mechanical or thermal engineering; experience in thermal system design required.
  • Other info: Immediate start available; must be eligible to work in the UK.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.

We are looking for an innovative and detail-oriented Thermal Design Engineer to join our automotive engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, analysis, and optimization of thermal systems and components across vehicle platforms. This includes ensuring optimal performance, energy efficiency, and reliability of thermal systems for propulsion, cabin climate control, battery management, and electronic components.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop thermal management systems and components for electric power systems to go into vehicles.
  • Have knowledge of modelling and simulation of thermal behaviour using 1D/3D tools (e.g., GT-SUITE, ANSYS, Flowmaster, CFD tools).
  • Evaluate and optimize cooling and heating strategies for batteries, HVAC systems, and electronics.
  • Perform thermal analysis to ensure compliance with performance, durability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Electrical, HVAC, Battery, and Vehicle Integration to align thermal solutions with vehicle architecture.
  • Develop and review component specifications, system schematics, and test plans.
  • Support prototype builds and perform validation testing (thermal cycling, environmental, performance).
  • Interface with suppliers to review designs, material selection, and manufacturing feasibility.
  • Drive continuous improvement in system efficiency, weight, cost, and packaging.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Strong experience in thermal system design or development.
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
  • Proficiency in thermal simulation tools (e.g., GT-SUITE, ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, CFD software).
  • Experience with automotive development tools and processes (DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP).
  • Knowledge of automotive HVAC systems, powertrain cooling, and battery thermal management.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in mechanical or Thermal Engineering.
  • Experience in EV or hybrid thermal system development.
  • Knowledge of refrigerant systems and regulations (R-134a, R-1234yf, COâ‚‚).
  • Familiarity with vehicle testing and thermal instrumentation.
  • Experience with system-level integration and thermal controls.

If you have any of the above knowledge and experience, and are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please apply now!

Note: You must be eligible to work in the UK and sponsorship is not offered for this role.

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Contact Detail:

RLE International Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Thermal Design Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest thermal simulation tools like GT-SUITE and ANSYS. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools in detail during an interview can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the automotive engineering field, especially those who specialise in thermal systems. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to job referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends in electric vehicle thermal management. Understanding current challenges and innovations in this area will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully designed or optimised thermal systems. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your work on performance and efficiency.

We think you need these skills to ace Thermal Design Engineer

Thermal System Design
Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Fluid Dynamics
1D/3D Modelling and Simulation
GT-SUITE
ANSYS
Flowmaster
CFD Tools
Automotive HVAC Systems
Battery Thermal Management
DFMEA
DVP&R
APQP
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
Validation Testing
Material Selection
Continuous Improvement
System Efficiency Optimisation
Prototyping and Testing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in thermal system design and development. Emphasise your proficiency with thermal simulation tools and any automotive development processes you've been involved in.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for automotive engineering and your specific interest in thermal management systems. Mention how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Highlight Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you designed or optimised thermal systems. Detail your role, the tools you used, and the outcomes to demonstrate your hands-on experience.

Showcase Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working with cross-functional teams, mention any past experiences where you collaborated with other departments. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and drive projects forward.

How to prepare for a job interview at RLE International

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with thermal system design and the specific tools you've used, such as GT-SUITE or ANSYS. Highlight any projects where you successfully optimised thermal management systems, as this will demonstrate your capability in the role.

✨Understand the Company’s Focus

Research the company’s current projects and their approach to thermal systems in vehicles. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your answers and show how your skills align with their goals, particularly in electric power systems and energy efficiency.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think of examples where you evaluated and optimised cooling strategies or collaborated with cross-functional teams, and be ready to explain your thought process.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and future challenges in thermal design. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Thermal Design Engineer
RLE International
R
  • Thermal Design Engineer

    Oxford
    Temporary
    40000 - 48000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-18

  • R

    RLE International

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