At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of air delivery systems for hydrogen fuel-cell power generation.
- Company: Join a pioneering aerospace company focused on zero-emission flight.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £750 per day, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and safety-critical projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of sustainable aviation technology.
- Qualifications: Strong aerospace engineering background with expertise in aerothermal and fluid dynamics.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 75000 € per year.
Operating at the forefront of next‑generation aerospace propulsion, developing advanced systems to enable zero‑emission flight. The engineering teams work across safety‑critical, certification‑driven programmes, applying first‑principles engineering to real aircraft and flight‑ready powertrain systems. The environment is fast‑paced, technically demanding, and focused on delivering solutions that can be certified, deployed, and scaled.
As a Senior Aerothermal Engineer, you will lead the aerothermal design and development of air delivery systems for hydrogen fuel‑cell power generation. You will take full technical ownership from early concept generation through system architecture, analysis, testing, and certification‑ready delivery. Acting as the subject‑matter expert, you will work across multidisciplinary engineering teams and the supply chain to develop, analyse, and validate fuel‑cell cathode and air delivery systems using a combination of first‑principles analysis, simulation, and empirical testing.
You will be responsible for shaping system architectures, capturing and flowing requirements, guiding suppliers, and ensuring designs are robust, performant, and aligned with aerospace certification objectives. This role suits an experienced aerospace engineer who is comfortable owning complex systems end‑to‑end and leading technical decisions in a regulated environment.
Your background:
- Strong aerospace engineering experience, with exposure to aircraft, airborne, or propulsion systems
- Deep expertise in aerothermal / thermo‑fluid engineering, including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and air systems
- Experience designing, analysing, or integrating air delivery systems and components such as compressors, turbines, valves, filters, heat exchangers, ducting, and instrumentation
- Hands‑on experience using first‑principles analysis, supported by 1D and 3D simulation and test data
- Experience working with turbomachinery, particularly high‑speed compressors or related equipment
- Proven ability to take system‑level ownership, from requirements capture and architecture through integration and testing
- Experience defining and supporting engineering test activities, including test rigs, instrumentation, and data acquisition
- Working knowledge of CFD and modelling tools and the ability to interpret results to inform design decisions
- Familiarity with aerospace certification objectives and working within regulated, safety‑critical programmes
- Degree‑qualified in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent industry experience)
Desired:
- Experience with hydrogen fuel‑cell systems or electrified propulsion architectures
- Exposure to compressed air systems within fuel‑cell or power‑generation environments
- Experience using MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape, or equivalent 1D modelling tools
- Practical experience with commercial CFD tools (e.g. ANSYS Fluent/CFX)
- Working knowledge of CAD and PLM environments (e.g. Siemens NX, Teamcenter)
- Experience operating within or alongside certification authorities (EASA / FAA / CAA)
Thermal Engineer in Gloucester employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
As a leading innovator in aerospace propulsion, we offer an exciting opportunity for Thermal Engineers to work on cutting-edge projects aimed at achieving zero-emission flight. Our collaborative and fast-paced work culture fosters technical excellence and encourages professional growth, with access to advanced tools and resources that empower you to take ownership of complex systems. Join us in a dynamic environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the future of sustainable aviation.
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Thermal Engineer in Gloucester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with aerothermal systems and any projects you've led. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results, so come prepared with examples that showcase your expertise!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so do a bit of homework before interviews. Understand their projects and values, especially around zero-emission flight and hydrogen fuel-cell systems. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also helps you stand out. We’re always on the lookout for passionate engineers like you to join our team and push the boundaries of aerospace propulsion.
We think you need these skills to ace Thermal Engineer in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Aerothermal Engineer. Highlight your experience with aerothermal engineering, fluid dynamics, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission for zero-emission flight!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about aerospace propulsion and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention any hands-on experience with hydrogen fuel-cell systems or turbomachinery.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We love seeing technical expertise! Be sure to include specific examples of your experience with CFD tools, first-principles analysis, and any relevant software like MATLAB or ANSYS. This will help us understand your capabilities in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing talent out there. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your aerothermal and thermo-fluid engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and air delivery systems in detail. The more you can demonstrate your expertise, the better!
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've taken system-level ownership or led technical decisions. Highlight any hands-on experience with turbomachinery or hydrogen fuel-cell systems, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarise with Certification Standards
Since the role involves working within regulated environments, it’s crucial to understand aerospace certification objectives. Brush up on your knowledge of EASA, FAA, or CAA regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these in previous projects.
✨Practice Problem-Solving
Expect technical questions that require you to think on your feet. Practise solving problems related to air delivery systems or CFD modelling. This will not only show your analytical skills but also your ability to apply first-principles analysis in real-world scenarios.