Thermal Systems Engineer

Thermal Systems Engineer – Contract (9 Months)

Location: Midlands-based, UK

An industry-leading engineering and testing organisation is seeking a Thermal Systems Engineer to join its Energy Optimisation team on a 9-month contract. This role is ideal for someone with strong hands-on experience in thermal systems bench testing and a solid background in automotive refrigerant and air conditioning systems.

You'll play a key role in testing, analysing, and optimising Vehicle Thermal Management Systems (VTMS) for next-generation battery electric (BEV) and fuel cell electric (FCEV) vehicles, working in a highly collaborative and technically advanced environment.

The Role:

This position involves both bench and climatic vehicle testing of thermal systems, focusing on efficiency, performance, and control development. You’ll be supporting real-world test campaigns and using simulation tools where required, but the emphasis is on practical, hands-on engineering.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading and supporting bench testing of automotive thermal systems including air conditioning and heat pump systems.
• Overseeing test rig preparation and instrumentation at component and system level.
• Running and monitoring the Thermal Systems Test Bench in line with customer requirements.
• Capturing, processing, and analysing test data with a focus on thermodynamic performance.
• Producing detailed technical reports and presenting findings.
• Supporting the development of 1D models (GT-Suite) and contributing to climatic vehicle testing for benchmarking and optimisation.

What We’re Looking For:

Essential:

• A degree in Mechanical, Thermal, or Electro-mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience working with refrigerant systems, mobile air conditioning (MAC), and/or heat pump systems in an automotive or similar environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with thermal system bench testing — from rig setup and instrumentation to execution and analysis.
• Solid knowledge of thermodynamics and thermal energy systems.
• Proficiency in data processing and reporting using Microsoft Excel.
• Confident technical reporting and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience using 1D simulation tools such as GT-Suite.
• Knowledge of vehicle cooling systems and energy management in electrified powertrains.
• Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink and climate control development.
• Exposure to systems engineering processes and V-cycle methodology.

Who This Would Suit:

This contract would suit someone currently working in a test and development role focused on HVAC, thermal systems or energy optimisation — ideally within the automotive sector. Candidates from related sectors (e.g. aerospace, rail, building systems) with hands-on refrigerant system experience are also encouraged to apply.

You’ll Need To Be:

• Practical, precise, and proactive in test execution.
• A clear communicator, able to convey technical findings effectively.
• Comfortable working to deadlines and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Analytical, yet pragmatic in your problem-solving approach.
• Flexible and motivated, with a full UK driving licence.

Contract Details:

• Inside IR35
• Initial 9-month contract
• Average 37.25 hours per week