Principle Engineer - Thermal Systems

We are looking to recruit our next Principal Engineer to join the Electromobility Systems department in the Propulsion & Electromobility group at one of our prestigious automotive clients.
As a department, we deliver a range of advanced thermal solutions for the development of energy efficient electrified vehicles. This role will enhance our Thermal Systems Engineering capability across both Engineering & Technology and Test Services divisions and contribute to the growth of our business.

Main Purpose of Job

• To be the technical lead on customer and internal projects and programmes related to full Vehicle Thermal Management Systems, particularly for BEV and FCEV applications
• To tailor solutions and approaches to match customer expectations, budgets and timescales
• To play an active role in the technical development of Thermal Systems Engineering by mentoring and coaching junior team members whilst ensuring the dissemination of technical skills
• To assess the energy efficiency benefits of innovative thermal systems
• To lead the concept definition, design and development of the VTMS using model-based design techniques whilst adopting the V-Cycle engineering principles
• To lead and conduct the engineering development, optimisation and validation of innovative Thermal systems e.g. Heat Pump Systems using system testing capability encompassing control & software
• To contribute to the development and delivery of the Thermal Energy Management roadmap, the creation of Intellectual Property within the scope of R&D programmes
• To contribute to the development of the Thermal numerical capability encompassing xiL capability

Please note: this role is open to hybrid working - 2-3 days on site expected. Flexibility required on this as and when required.

Experience

Essential Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant engineering and programme experience in automotive Thermal Systems Engineering
• Evidence of technical leadership experience with a focus on Thermal Energy Management Proficiency in 1D modelling of Thermal Systems using GT-Suite and/or AMESim i.e. Heat pump systems, battery thermal management systems, Air Conditioning Systems, Powertrain cooling systems, fuel cell systems
• Thermal rig-based development tests of automotive heat pump systems, air conditioning battery thermal management systems and full Vehicle Thermal Management Systems
• Strong Thermodynamic background
• Strong understanding of automotive Thermal Energy Management and Vehicle Energy Efficiency
• Working knowledge of Matlab/Simulink and Stateflow
• Working knowledge of fuel consumption and electric range evaluations by means of 1D modelling and simulation
• Extensive knowledge and experience with Model-Based Design Engineering
• Experience in customer relationships and supporting commercial sales activities
• Ability to contribute to the definition a technical direction
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering
• Applied knowledge of automotive product lifecycle process (V model) for Thermal Systems
• Working knowledge of thermal control and software development

Preferred Experience

To have held positions within an automotive engineering service provider with OEMs as the key customers and also to have direct experience of working for an OEM

Experience in the engineering service provider role delivering services and consultancy to a wide range of customers

Working knowledge of automotive climate software development.

Working knowledge of powertrain control strategy definition and implementation

Vehicle and Powertrain Longitudinal Modelling

Experience in vehicle thermal attribute development

Working knowledge of Functional Safety processes and standards (e.g. ISO26262) for automotive safety related systems

Human thermal comfort assessment

3D/CFD modelling for attribute development

Fuel Cell System Thermal Management

Use and development of Hardware in the Loop (HIL) test facilities (dSpace)

Experience in vehicle performance and energy benchmarking

Knowledge of advanced optimisation techniques

Knowledge of typical automotive DFMEA, DVP&R process and standards

International experience

Experience in Battery Thermal Management

Working knowledge or proficiency in powertrain system integration and control development

Strong background in vehicle electrification

Skills

The candidate should:

Have outstanding team leadership skills and be adaptable to change

Have a willingness to take on responsibilities and strive on challenges to achieve goals and objectives

Confident enough to step beyond the comfort zone, rapidly learn new topics to a point they can challenge them and push the limits.

Practical Approach – in all aspects, from guidance and tutoring to rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in whether that be in the workshop or delivering engineering evidence and documents.

Have Full Vehicle / Programme Experience having operated with and @ V model level for full vehicle and or System level programmes.

Be a Truly innovative thinker with an Integration approach mentality / a High-level problem solver.

The ability to confidently command the appropriate level gravitas both internally and externally.

Have a strong ability to organise, prioritise and manage project workloads and resource requirements

Have a strong commercial acumen

Have an excellent communication and interpersonal skills - ability to communicate appropriately at all levels and recognise the values of all team members, regardless of level

Be self-motived, self-starting and able to work on initiatives and within timing and budget constraints

Have well-developed analytical skills – rigorous but pragmatic

An approachable and motivational character

Be able to contribute positively to a team working environment

Be positive with can-do attitude with an ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Be willing to travel in the UK and overseas for short term visit

Have a solid cultural awareness

Be prepared to work flexibly

Have a full UK driving license

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

Good first degree in appropriate subject, most probably Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Engineering

Preferred Qualifications

Higher degree post-graduate qualification in a related engineering discipline (relevant MSc or MEng, PhD)

Chartered Engineer and membership of an appropriate institution

Other information

A wide range of benefits including:

27 days holiday + statutory days (with the option to participate in a holiday buy/sell scheme)

A generous contributory pension plan

A company performance related bonus scheme

A fantastic Employee Assistance Programme which offers a range of wellbeing services to staff.

Reimbursement of fees for corporate memberships for relevant Chartered/professional institution

A range of tax efficient salary sacrifice options including a cycle to work scheme.

Right to work: - Our Client actively promotes diversity and inclusion across our organisation, this role does meet the criteria to be considered within the current Home Office Shortage Occupation list.

We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit the UK Government Skill Worker page for guidance 

Applications:
Please apply with updated CV and details of current rate/salary and notice period. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted prior to submission. 

If this role is not for you, but you know some who may be interested, please forward the details on to them. We offer a referral scheme.

Arden White is an equal opportunities employer. If you have any specific requirements or require assistance or reasonable adjustments to be made for you during the selection process due to disability or long-term health condition, we will do our best to assist you