Lead Thermal Engineer

Lead Mechanical & Thermal Engineer

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Lead Mechanical & Thermal Engineer to take ownership of the thermal system design, development, and optimisation of their flagship product range. This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior engineer who enjoys combining hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities in a fast-moving R&D and manufacturing environment.

Role Overview

As Lead Mechanical & Thermal Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in advancing thermal design and system performance – from concept to production. You’ll lead a small, multidisciplinary team focused on developing high-efficiency HVAC and heat transfer systems suitable for scalable commercial manufacture.

You’ll bring a deep understanding of thermal dynamics, simulation, and heat exchanger design, alongside the ability to translate theory into practical, manufacturable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the thermal and mechanical design of innovative heating and cooling systems.

• Design and evaluate heat exchangers and heat transfer mechanisms to optimise energy performance.

• Oversee prototype development, testing, and design validation in collaboration with internal and external partners.

• Apply design-for-manufacture (DfM) principles and guide make-versus-buy decisions.

• Conduct thermal and CFD simulations using tools such as ANSYS, Comsol, or equivalent.

• Prepare detailed technical documentation, test reports, and specifications.

• Lead engineering risk assessments and de-risk design elements early in the product lifecycle.

• Mentor and support a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

• Liaise with suppliers and external engineering partners to ensure technical integrity and cost-effectiveness.

Candidate Profile

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Thermal, or Aerospace Engineering (or related discipline).

• 10+ years’ experience in thermal engineering, HVAC, automotive, or similar sectors.

• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.

• Proven experience with thermal modelling and simulation software.

• Skilled in heat exchanger design, testing, and validation.

• Experience in HVAC controls or system integration with building management systems (desirable).

• Track record of leading design projects from R&D through to manufacturing.

• Strong communication and technical writing skills, with the ability to lead and inspire others.

What’s on Offer

• Progression to Design Manager, Product Manager, Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager or similar
• Salary £50,000 – £75,000 depending on experience
• Full time, hybrid working
• Company shares
• 8% pension
• 28 days holiday

WR HVAC | M&E are #1 recruitment partner for HVAC jobs. Our customers include a range of large and small M&E companies, manufacturers and suppliers of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. We recruit UK wide for sales, management and technical jobs.

WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.