Lead Thermal Engineer

Mbda Systems; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a Lead Thermal Engineer in Bristol. The role involves leading projects on heat transfer analysis and requires a degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields. Candidates should demonstrate problem-solving skills and CAE tool experience, with opportunities for hybrid working. Company benefits include a performance-based bonus, pension contributions, and enhanced parental leave.

Benefits

Company bonus: Up to £2,500

Pension: up to 14% contribution

Paid overtime

Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Ideally degree qualified in a subject relevant to the role or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Experience applying CAE tools in regulated design/manufacturing industry.
• Motivated individual with strong organisational and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects as a Lead Thermal Engineer.
• Work on UK and multinational projects pivotal to security.
• Work within a supportive team environment.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Heat transfer analysis

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Postgraduate qualification (desirable)

Tools

ANSYS

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Introduction

Are you looking to broaden your experience or take the next step in your career? Do you have the drive and ability to deliver your expertise across multiple, technically challenging activities? The creativity and personality to work with others to derive solutions to thermal problems in cutting‑edge technology?

Salary

Circa £55,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working

2‑3 days onsite at Stevenage or Bristol offices due to workload classification.

Security Clearance

British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions/limitations may apply. After offer stage all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave; enhancements available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…

The opportunity

At MBDA, you will work on and lead a variety of projects that stretch your skills and imagination as a Lead Thermal Engineer. You will be part of a highly motivated team with a strong desire to improve our effectiveness and influence within MBDA. You will work in a supportive environment where people feel valued and are encouraged to achieve their full potential. You will have the opportunity to work on UK and multinational projects that are pivotal to the future success of MBDA and the security of the UK. Attendance onsite will be required, but our Dynamic Working Agreements also allow high levels of flexibility and a balance of office and remote working. This may be at home or in our Stevenage or Bristol offices.

What we’re looking for from you

Essential:

• Ideally degree qualified in a subject relevant to the role or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Good problem‑solving skills coupled with a sound fundamental knowledge of heat transfer analysis using computational methods and manual calculations.
• Experience applying CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB, Python) in a regulated design/manufacturing industry to investigate heat transfer problems in mechanical and/or electronic systems.
• Motivated individual who has strong organisational and interpersonal skills.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in a subject relevant to the role.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering projects on time, quality and cost.
• Experienced in technical leadership of small or large teams of engineers.
• Knowledge and experience of methods for managing the thermal performance of mechanical and electronic systems in extreme high and low temperature environments.
• Experience in physical testing of components and assemblies to validate thermal analyses.

Our company

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Contact

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.