Aerothermal Engineer
Location: Oxford, Hybrid, flexible working hours
An innovative client decarbonising and solving thermal management problems for a range of industries is looking for an Aerothermal Engineer to join their team.
You will be part of a friendly and welcoming team of passionate innovators, every single one making a real difference in the path towards the dream of clean, sustainable flight. We encourage healthy work-life balance by supporting flexible working hours and hybrid working from home. During times of testing there will be on-site requirements.
The successful candidate will be excited to be involved in the development of next-generation aerothermal technologies that will support zero-emission aircraft, drones, fusion reactors, power-dense data centres, and mission systems. This work is crucial for advancing sustainable solutions in various industries.
Benefits:
• EMI share options
• 25 days + bank holidays (+1 per year of service up to a maximum of +5)
• 5 days carried forward, used within 6 months
• Enhanced sick leave
• Enhanced paternity/maternity leave
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme +5% company contribution
• Private Medical Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Group Critical Illness Insurance
• Group Income Protection Insurance
• Cash Plan for dental, optical etc.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Up to £400/year reimbursement of professional registration fees
• Cycle to work scheme
• Shopping discounts
• Visa sponsorship and costs covered
Job summary
We are seeking an Aerothermal Engineer with expertise in heat transfer and fluid dynamics. The ideal candidate will have an academic or industrial background in both numerical modelling and experimental validation, being able to conceptualise, model, design, build, test and analyse thermal components and systems. A PhD in heat transfer or a closely related field is ideal. Experience with machine learning applied to thermal problems and additive heat exchanger design is a significant advantage.
Your responsibilities
• Support design and analysis of thermal components/systems, including heat exchangers,
using advanced modelling tools (Ansys, OpenFOAM).
• Develop and implement heat transfer experiments, including rig design, data
acquisition, and result interpretation.
• Apply machine learning methods to improve thermal performance modelling and
experimental insight.
• Model thermal systems using Simulink and Simscape for dynamic performance
prediction and control integration.
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams on R&D and engineering
projects.
• Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and coordinate with internal and external
stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of novel thermal management technologies,
particularly in aerospace, energy, or automotive sectors.
• Assist in planning new projects and fundraising.
Selection criteria
Essential
• Masters Degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related
field.
• From 3 years of combined academic and industry experience
• Proficient in Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar CFD platforms.
• Proven experience in heat transfer experiments and test rig development.
• Hands-on experience with Matlab Simulink and Simscape for system-level modelling.
• Familiarity with data-driven methods and machine learning applications in thermal
analysis.
• Strong analytical, communication, and technical documentation skills.
Desirable
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related field with
specialisation in heat transfer.
• Experience with additive manufacturing of heat exchangers.
• Background in project management (certifications like PMP are a plus).
• Familiarity with Aerospace Standards (e.g. DO-160G)