Design Engineer

Design Engineer - Refrigeration

Chelmsford area, Essex
up to £50,000 + excellent benefits

Our client is a global life sciences company designing advanced equipment for laboratories and research institutions worldwide. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Design Engineer to support the development of ultra‑low temperature refrigeration systems for innovative new products.

The Role

You will be responsible for the design, modelling, testing, and continuous improvement of ultra‑low temperature refrigeration systems, ensuring products meet customer, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop refrigeration systems using agile product development methods
• Apply numerical calculations and mathematical modelling to predict system performance
• Create and review refrigeration system and component specifications
• Liaise with suppliers and manufacturing to ensure designs are practical, cost‑effective, and manufacturable
• Produce and maintain technical documentation in line with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485
• Support refrigeration testing, including planning, execution, and analysis
• Identify and implement design improvements and product changes
• Research emerging technologies and contribute to the refrigeration technology roadmap
• Provide technical support for quality issues and customer complaints, including root cause analysis
• Support manufacturing processes to ensure quality and safety standards

Skills & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Strong background in thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Experience in refrigeration system or product development
• Track record in new product or technology development
• Experience working within formal phase‑gate development processes
• Knowledge of DFM, FMEA, and ISO 9001 design controls
• Practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem‑solving skills

Desirable:
MSc/PhD in Heat & Mass Transfer, mathematical modelling, RefProp, Flownex, SolidWorks, agile methodologies, F‑Gas regulations, hydrocarbon refrigerants.

Benefits

• Salary up to £50,000 with annual reviews
• Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 (flexible working available)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (buy/sell up to 5 days)
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Free on‑site parking
• Employee wellbeing services and social events
• Ongoing training and clear career progression

Candidates requiring sponsorship now or in the future cannot be considered.

Contact Julia at Prime Appointments to discuss, or apply via the link.