Lead Fluid Systems Development Engineer

Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering design, simulation, build, and consultancy services supporting complex and novel system development across Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Built Environment, and Chemical Process industries. We deliver end-to-end engineering support — from concept and system architecture through to detailed design, build, and validation — for some of the most advanced technology development programmes in the UK and internationally.

We are seeking a Lead Fluid Systems Development Engineer to strengthen our design and development capability within our Bristol-based teams. This role will focus on the definition, design, and integration of fluid mechanical systems — including R&D test rigs, experimental circuits, and prototype platforms for advanced propulsion, energy, and hydrogen technologies.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused engineering role suited to candidates with experience taking complex system concepts from requirements through to detailed design, build, and test. Work is conducted within a requirements-based systems engineering framework, and the engineer will be responsible for generating and maintaining the supporting technical documentation and compliance evidence appropriate to regulatory, client, or internal safety and quality requirements.

• System Design & Integration
• Deliver engineering work packages for the design and integration of complex fluid systems and development rigs.
• Produce and manage key design artefacts including schematics, P&IDs, system architectures, layouts, and component specifications.
• Conduct flow and pressure-drop calculations, thermal assessments, and component sizing as required.
• Build & Commissioning Support
• Support the physical build, installation, and commissioning of systems in collaboration with technicians, suppliers, and clients.
• Ensure systems are developed and commissioned safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements.
• Instrumentation & Controls Collaboration
• Work closely with Electrical and Control Systems Engineers to integrate instrumentation, valves, sensors, heaters, and data acquisition/control hardware.
• Ensure the design allows for effective measurement, control, and test capability.

• BEng or MEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience designing and developing fluid mechanical systems in an R&D or prototype environment.
• Practical understanding of pipework design, fittings, flow/pressure/thermal effects, and component selection.
• Familiarity with pressure, flow, temperature, and electrical measurement devices, and their integration.
• Competence producing P&IDs, schematics, mechanical layouts, and associated design documentation.
• Experience supporting physical system builds, rig assembly, or hardware commissioning.Working knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems (e.g. National Instruments, LabVIEW,

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR c) 

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