Job Description Senior Aerothermal Engineer Location : Oxford, Hybrid, flexible working hours An innovative client decarbonising the aviation sector is looking for Senior 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 part of the design, development, integration and testing of VTOL drone flight control systems and hybrid energy distribution systems. The system s will need a control interface with the telemetry to monitor power electronics, power sources, sensors and motor invertor. You will be working on some cutting-edge technology! 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 a highly skilled and experienced Senior Aerothermal Engineer with deep expertise in heat transfer and fluid dynamics. The ideal candidate will have a strong 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. This role requires a proactive team player capable of leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers. Your responsibilities • Lead 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. • Support and mentor junior engineers. Selection criteria Essential • Masters Degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related field. • Minimum 8 years of combined academic and industry experience (3 – 4 years postPhD). • 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). • Prior team leadership or mentoring experience. • Experience in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, automotive, energy). • Familiarity with Aerospace Standards (e.g. DO-160G).