Principal thermal management engineer

2 days ago

north west, South Africa Placements24 Full-time


About the Role

Our client is a cutting-edge aerospace technology firm seeking a distinguished Principal Thermal Management Engineer to join their advanced development team in Mahikeng, North West. This senior position is pivotal in ensuring the optimal thermal performance and reliability of sophisticated aerospace components and systems. You will be at the forefront of developing innovative thermal solutions, utilizing advanced analytical and computational methods. The role requires a deep expertise in heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and phase change phenomena, applied within the demanding context of aerospace engineering. You will lead complex thermal design projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to mission-critical projects and shape the future of aerospace technology from our Mahikeng, North West location.



Key Responsibilities
Lead the design, analysis, and validation of thermal management systems for aerospace applications, including satellites, launch vehicles, and aircraft components. Develop and implement advanced thermal models using CFD and FEA software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, Thermal Desktop) to simulate heat transfer mechanisms and temperature distributions. Define thermal requirements, specifications, and test procedures for aerospace hardware. Oversee the selection and integration of thermal control technologies such as heat pipes, radiators, louvers, and cryocoolers. Conduct trade studies to evaluate and select optimal thermal solutions based on performance, mass, power, and cost constraints. Analyze test data from thermal vacuum chambers and other environmental testing facilities, correlating results with analytical predictions. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to thermal engineering staff, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence. Collaborate with system engineers, materials scientists, and propulsion engineers to ensure integrated system performance. Stay current with the latest research and technological advancements in thermal control for aerospace applications. Requirements Ph. D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in thermal sciences. Minimum of 12 years of experience in thermal engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to aerospace systems. Demonstrated expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and thermal finite element analysis (FEA) applied to aerospace problems. Proven experience with thermal modeling software and environments. Deep understanding of heat transfer modes (conduction, convection, radiation) and their application in vacuum and atmospheric environments. Experience with thermal control hardware, including heat pipes, cryogenic systems, and passive/active thermal management techniques. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with space environment effects on materials and components. Ability to obtain security clearance may be required. Benefits Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and significant performance bonuses. Professional growth is actively supported through advanced technical training, opportunities to present at conferences, and career advancement pathways. The company fosters a stimulating and collaborative work environment, working on truly groundbreaking projects. Join us in Mahikeng, North West and contribute to the forefront of aerospace innovation.