Head of Thermal Engineering

Location:
Hybrid (with regular travel to Langfields' UK facilities)

Reports to: Managing Director

Type: Full-Time / Permanent

Salary:
Competitive, dependent on experience

About Langfields
Langfields is a UK leader in the design and manufacture of high-integrity pressure systems, heat exchangers and engineered plant for some of the world's most demanding industries — including nuclear, hydrogen, renewables, defence and petrochemical sectors.

With facilities across the UK and a reputation built over 60 years, we specialise in fabrication using stainless steels, nickel alloys, titanium and other exotic materials, delivering turnkey engineered solutions to help drive the global energy transition.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Head of Thermal Engineering & Heat Transfer to establish and lead a centre of excellence in advanced thermal systems design and analysis.

This role will drive Langfields' capabilities in heat exchanger and pressure vessel design & manufacture, thermal system optimisation, and hydrogen and nuclear technology innovation.

You will lead strategic technical development, mentor a growing team of engineers, and ensure regulatory excellence while delivering high-integrity engineered solutions for world-class clients.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute Langfields' thermal engineering strategy across nuclear, hydrogen and mechanical systems.
• Build, lead and mentor a high-performing heat transfer and thermal engineering team.
• Develop and enforce engineering standards, best-practice methodologies and design-for-manufacture principles for thermal systems.
• Collaborate with the established mechanical design function to expand Langfields' engineering capabilities and service offerings across the group.
• Contribute to companywide R&D strategy and future capability planning.

Technical Oversight

• Lead the design and optimisation of heat exchangers and pressure vessels for nuclear, hydrogen and other critical duty applications.
• Oversee CFD, FEA, and analytical modelling for heat transfer, thermal stress, and fluid flow.
• Approve technical documentation, design reviews and verification reports.
• Ensure full compliance with design codes, standards and regulations.
• Act as technical interface with regulatory authorities, certification bodies and industry partners.

Innovation & R&D

• Drive R&D into advanced heating and cooling technologies and high-performance materials.
• Collaborate with universities, research institutions and industry consortia on emerging technologies including SMRs (Small Modular Reactors) and hydrogen energy systems.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, technical curiosity and high performance within the engineering function.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace Engineering (or related field).
• 10+ years of experience in thermal and heat transfer engineering, ideally within a nuclear, hydrogen or pressure systems design and manufacturing environment.
• Expertise with thermal design & simulation tools such as Aspen, HTRI, ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL or similar.
• Strong grounding in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, pressure systems and heat transfer principles.
• Proven leadership and mentoring ability within a technical engineering environment.
• Deep understanding of ASME BPVC, RCC-M, EN13445 and relevant design/safety codes.

Desirable:

• Experience with SMR design or hydrogen energy systems.
• Knowledge of cryogenic systems, corrosion-resistant alloys and high-temperature materials.
• Published research or patents in thermal engineering, nuclear or hydrogen technologies.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to build, lead and shape transformative engineering programmes in nuclear, hydrogen and renewables.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Access to state-of-the-art fabrication and testing facilities across the UK.
• Collaborative R&D environment with strong links to academia and industry.
• A culture that values safety, technical excellence and innovation.

Please note that due to the nature of some of the work involved all applicants must have full right to work in the UK and should be prepared to undertake SC Clearance.

Due to the volume of applications received, only those candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted