PhD Graduate: Fluids and Thermal Engineering Consultant

Engineering Insight for Complex, High-Value Challenges

Frazer-Nash is a values-driven and forward-thinking engineering, systems and technology consultancy. We help organisations deliver innovative engineering and technology solutions that make lives safe, secure, sustainable and affordable.

Our engineering specialists support clients across the full lifecycle of assets in a range of sectors, including nuclear/low-carbon energy, transport, defence and the process industries. We combine deep technical understanding with practical consultancy skills to help clients understand, design, improve and assure complex engineering systems.

We are growing and are looking for engineers who can bring strong technical judgement, clear communication, and a practical approach to solving complex client problems. Your work will help to:

• Solve complex fluid flow, heat transfer and process engineering challenges
• Improve the safety, reliability, efficiency and sustainability of engineering systems
• Support confident design, operational, investment and assurance decisions
• Deliver high-quality, trusted consultancy advice to our varied clients

PostDoc or Industry?

Finishing a doctorate is a big deal. Pursuing a path into academia through a PostDoc position is explored by some, but many look to apply their skills in an industrial context and gain commercial skills in parallel. If you are looking for this opportunity, either as a recent graduate or with some experience, then Frazer-Nash could be for you!

Valuing Your Doctorate

As a high-tech engineering consultancy, we value the additional skills and experience that doctorate graduates bring to our business. For us, the value you bring comes through a combination of specialist knowledge, a robust understanding of engineering fundamentals from undergraduate teaching, experience of presenting at conferences, and ability to engage with a range of stakeholders to solve complex problems.

Within our Fluids, Physics and Systems Performance area, over 25% of your potential colleagues and line managers have completed PhDs, DPhils or EngD themselves, and are therefore readily equipped to help you make the most of your skills and experience to build your career.

Why this Role?

As a Fluids and Thermal Engineering Consultant, you will apply your understanding of fluid mechanics and heat transfer to help clients understand system behaviour, assess performance, reduce risk, and make better engineering decisions. You will contribute across the consultancy lifecycle, from technical analysis and modelling through to client engagement, writing bids, project delivery and capability development.

Variety of work

Our consultants typically work on several projects at once, ranging from short, focused studies to long-term programmes of support. Expect exposure to different industries, clients, technologies, and technical challenges, helping you broaden your capability while deepening your expertise.

Teamwork and collaboration

You will work as part of a supportive group, collaborating with specialists from multiple disciplines. You will be proactive in developing your own skills, seeking advice when needed, and sharing your experience to support the development of colleagues.

Taking the lead

As you develop, you will manage technical work packages, plan and deliver work to time, cost, and quality, and engage directly with clients and internal stakeholders. As your experience grows, you will have opportunities to lead teams, guide colleagues, and shape technical approaches.

Growing capability

Supporting bids and proposals, developing new service offerings, contributing to technical communities, and representing Frazer-Nash in client discussions, conferences, or seminars.

Professional recognition

We value professional accreditation, including Chartered Engineer and Fellow status, and provide mentoring and support to help employees achieve this recognition of their work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Analyse and understand fluid flow, heat transfer and thermal performance across a range of engineering systems and contexts, assessing operating margins, constraints, and sensitivities.
• Use appropriate analytical, numerical, and modelling approaches, including hand calculations, system models, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) where relevant to explain underlying physical behaviour, and provide clear recommendations.
• Working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team to design new systems or develop modifications to existing plant, reducing risks and supporting successful project delivery.
• Prepare crisp, focused technical reports, presentations, proposals, and other client-facing deliverables.
• Engage with new and existing clients to understand their challenges and tailor our capability to develop effective solutions.

What We’re Looking For

Technical experience

• A strong understanding of practical fluid dynamics, heat transfer or thermofluid mechanics, built on a post-graduate degree/PhD/DPhil/EngD in Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ability to interpret, validate, and clearly explain complex analysis, testing and/or modelling outputs.
• Experience applying modelling approaches, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or 1D modelling tools, to understand complex flow fields, heat transfer, or system behaviour.
• An appreciation of engineering design, risk reduction, assurance, and practical delivery constraints.

Personal and consultancy skills

• Strong communication skills and a practical, client-focused mindset, with the ability to engage effectively through meetings, presentations, technical discussions and written reports, and translate technical analysis into useful engineering insight.
• A collaborative approach, with confidence working in multidisciplinary teams and across different technical domains.
• Interest in contributing to business development, proposal writing, long-term client relationships and managing small packages of work to time, quality, and cost.

Due to the nature of the work that Frazer‑Nash Consultancy undertakes, candidates will be required to undergo pre‑employment screening and must be able to satisfy clearance criteria for UK National Security Vetting.

Why Join Frazer-Nash?

Our engineers are empowered to take ownership of their work, build lasting client relationships, and develop specialist expertise, while working as part of supportive, collaborative teams. We value technical excellence, curiosity, and the ability to turn complex analysis into clear, actionable insight.

• Work on varied and meaningful engineering challenges across a wide range of industries
• Apply advanced analysis and modelling techniques to real-world systems
• Take ownership of technical work and contribute directly to client delivery
• Develop your career in a supportive, technically ambitious consultancy environment
• Be part of a collaborative team committed to innovation, professional growth, and high-quality delivery

Benefits

We provide our people with an excellent benefit and offering package that comprises:

• Competitive salary with yearly reviews
• 25 days' holiday + the opportunity to buy 5 days.
• A company that has its heart in the right place and a welcoming work culture.
• Happy to talk flexible working
• Enhanced parental benefits
• Company pension scheme
• Targeted professional development
• Life assurance
• Private healthcare membership
• Bonus scheme linked into company performance
• Paid membership fees to a professional institution
• Support in attaining professional membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season rail ticket loan
• And further optional benefits you can tailor to your personal requirements

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