Principal Engineer Thermal Systems

Job type: Permanent

Location: Ballymena or Bicester

Closing date: Monday 05 Jan 2026 08:00

Right to work: All applicants must hold valid right to work in the UK. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.

Role location flexibility: This role can be based in either Bicester or Ballymena.

Wrightbus is a fast‑moving company which has experienced considerable growth in the last year. As part of this continued growth, we aim to bolster and strengthen our engineering team with a subject matter expert in Thermal Systems. Building on the knowledge already within the team will allow continued development and innovation in all vehicle types.

• Responsible for the specification, selection and integration of thermal systems into new and existing vehicle designs, ensuring all technical aspects are fully considered and validated.
• Undertake the technical assessment and analysis of the options available from component to system level. Recommend the optimal solution that satisfies system requirements whilst meeting overall vehicle objectives and ensuring compliance from all stakeholders.
• Develop and design product options in line with customer specifications.
• Investigate and source as necessary any requirement for new materials and technology.
• Work with suppliers and partners to ensure that components and sub‑systems can be integrated together to achieve the overall vehicle objectives and performance.
• Manage the definition, execution and successful completion of verification and validation plans against specified requirements.
• Support the NPD Strategy for Diesel, BEV, HEV & FCEV vehicles and systems.
• Provide system technical information and documentation for both internal and external customers.
• Document, validate and provide FMEA information and analysis for design reviews and NPD gateways.
• Undertake the technical assessment and analysis of components and systems and develop optimal solutions to meet overall vehicle requirements.
• Provide technical assistance to production, support engineers and the customer.
• Produce system layout drawings.
• Create Bills of Material, specifications and detailed designs.
• Produce and manage component and systems specifications.
• Support prototype build, validation and product sign off.

• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years' experience in commercial vehicle design
• 5+ years' experience in vehicle systems design
• 5+ years' experience in thermal system design & integration
• Strong understanding of thermal systems
• Problem solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer literate
• Engineering report writing

• 4% discretionary bonus
• Life insurance
• Medicash scheme
• Discount with local businesses (e.g., Galgorm Spa Resort and McAtamney's)
• Free car parking
• Canteen
• Career progression
• Professional development
• Flexitime

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Engineering and Information Technology

Industries: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing