Principal Systems Engineer - Environmental Engineering

External Job Description

Job Purpose:

 The Systems Engineer – Environmental Engineering is responsible for the design, analysis, integration, and validation of environmental control and thermal management systems for UAV platforms. The role ensures compliance with mission requirements, aerospace standards, and platform constraints while optimizing system reliability, performance, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Control Systems Design & Integration: Develop and manage ECS requirements covering thermal management, ventilation, pressurization (where applicable), and contamination control for UAV subsystems and payloads. Perform system safety analysis and support design lifecycle activities in accordance with ARP4754. Collaborate with airframe, mechanical, electrical, and avionics teams for seamless system integration. Define system architecture, interfaces, and ICDs to establish clear performance requirements.

Thermal & Environmental Analysis: Conduct thermal modelling and simulations using tools such as Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, Fluent CFD, or MATLAB to assess temperature distribution, heat loads, and cooling requirements. Support ECS testing, integration, and validation activities. Analyze environmental stresses including temperature extremes, vibration, humidity, and dust, developing mitigation strategies. Design and validate thermal control solutions including active/passive cooling, insulation, and airflow management. 

Testing & Validation: Develop verification and validation plans for thermal performance, environmental testing, and contamination control. Support qualification testing aligned with standards such as MIL-STD-810, DO-160, and applicable GCAA requirements. Analyze test results, recommend improvements, and prepare certification documentation. 

Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline (required). Master’s Degree in Thermal Sciences, Environmental Systems, or Aerospace Systems Engineering (preferred). 

Professional Experience 10+ years’ experience in aerospace or defence industries focused on environmental control systems, thermal management, or related areas. Experience with UAV or aircraft environmental systems, thermal design, analysis, and integration. Knowledge of aerospace environmental standards, qualification methods, and safety-critical system development.