Vehicle Test & Development Engineer - Thermal Systems

REQ ID: 131742
JOB TITLE: Vehicle Test & Development Engineer - Thermal Systems
SALARY: £42,000 - £52,000
POSTING START DATE: 02/06/2026
POSTING END DATE: 16/06/2026
LOCATION: Gaydon, Warwick, UK

Product Engineering at JLR is centred on innovation and creativity. From advanced driver assistance systems to developing the future of electric propulsion, the opportunities to create exceptional experiences for the future of motoring are wide-ranging. You'll work alongside industry experts to drive product strategy, manage programs, analyse performance, and lead transformation initiatives. Exceptional careers that bring world-renowned vehicles to life start here.

Come and join JLR as a Vehicle Test & Development Engineer – Thermal Systems!

You’ll be working at the forefront of vehicle thermal performance across a range of programmes. This is a hands-on role focused on delivering robust test and development activities, supporting both test method development and final engineering sign-off across facility-based and in-market environments.

You’ll be involved in a broad range of thermal testing responsibilities, supporting powertrain cooling, thermal energy efficiency, driveline, and hybrid system development requirements. The role also covers the wider engine bay and underbody thermal robustness validation, ensuring all components perform reliably in global markets. Working across the full development lifecycle, you’ll contribute data inputs from current car into concept development and target setting through to prototype test planning and execution, and validation across rigs, test facilities, and real-world in market environmental conditions.

This is an opportunity to combine practical, hands-on vehicle testing with engineering analysis, undertaking whole vehicle testing and data analysis to support delivery and issue resolution. You’ll play a key part in developing and validating thermal performance and efficiency attributes across SVO programmes. It’s well suited to someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and seeing their work directly impact vehicle performance.

WHAT TO EXPECT

You can expect a varied and rewarding role, where your day-to-day will involve tasks such as – 

• Develop instrumentation plans in collaboration with the SVO Test and development lead engineer, SVO PAT Leaders and CAE engineers ahead of vehicle builds


• Support prototype builds, ensuring correct instrumentation fitment and the integration of updated or ad-hoc components


• Prepare vehicles for CWT and in-market testing, working closely with lead engineers to ensure readiness and accuracy


• Support planning of prototype DVP activities in conjunction with SVO PAT Leaders


• Conduct CWT and in-market testing, including data processing and analysis, collaborating with engineering teams to interpret results


• Support the development and validation of thermal solutions to address issues identified during testing


• Lead in-market testing activities, including planning, execution, and analysis of data, while supporting ongoing method development and correlation activities

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

We’re looking for someone with the right blend of experience, qualifications, and practical skills, including – 

• Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) with a strong track record in a relevant engineering discipline


• Strong understanding of thermodynamic principles, particularly in relation to vehicle systems


• Proven experience in prototype vehicle preparation, ensuring readiness for testing activities


• Hands-on experience with vehicle instrumentation, including setup and validation of test equipment


• Good understanding of vehicle systems and their interactions, particularly cooling systems, HVAC, and exhausts


• Experience using INCA and vehicle diagnostic tools, with the ability to interpret and act on data outputs


• Experience of in-market testing, ideally within hot climate environments (e.g. Nardò, Nürburgring, Dubai, Grossglockner), with a proactive, self-motivated approach and the ability to work independently as well as part of a wider team

BENEFITS

This role is rewarding in more ways than one. On top of our core offering, you’ll do extraordinary work with amazing people. In addition, you can expect a wide range of benefits:

• Discounted car purchase (open to family members, too)


• A 52 week maternity leave policy and a 4 week paternity leave policy. Other parental leave policies are available


• A competitive pension


• A JLR company performance-related bonus


• An employee learning scheme providing funding for; education, training and other activities which support the development of personal skills and promote lifelong learning


• Access to open, employee-led support and social networks


• Comprehensive Life Assurance and Income Protection policies


• Flexible working* 
  
  

*Flexible working is offered for specific roles dependant on responsibilities. Please speak to the hiring team for details

Creating Modern Luxury requires a modern approach to work. At JLR, hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement providing employees more choice and flexibility around how, when and where they work. Some roles require more on-site work, but details of this can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview stage.

We work hard to nurture a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We understand candidates may require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please discuss these with your recruiter so we can accommodate your needs.

Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome. If you’re unsure that you meet the full criteria of a role – but you're interested in where it could take you – we still encourage you to apply. We believe in people's ability to grow and develop within their role – it’s what makes living the exceptional with soul possible.

JLR is committed to equal opportunity for all.