Hydrogen Fuel System Engineer

Gattaca Plc
Cirencester, United Kingdom
2 days ago

Role details

Contract type
Permanent contract
Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours)
Working hours
Regular working hours
Languages
English
Compensation
£ 67K

Job location

Cirencester, United Kingdom

Tech stack

Computer-Aided Design
Fluid
Computer Simulation
SolidWorks (CAD)
Network Interface Controllers
Failure Mode Effects Analysis
Python
Matlab
Verification and Validation (Software)
Systems Architecture
Ansys

Job description

  • Contribute to the technical development of gaseous and cryogenic hydrogen fuel systems for aircraft, including storage, distribution, and conditioning architectures.
  • Support aircraft integration activities, contributing to system layout, component placement, packaging, and interface definition for onboard hydrogen systems.
  • Work closely with suppliers and partners to ensure on-time delivery and technical compliance of hydrogen storage tanks, cryogenic transfer systems, and gas conditioning subsystems.
  • Contribute to the definition, optimisation, and execution of test strategies, including in-house capability development versus outsourcing, and assist in the operation and management of LH and GH test facilities.
  • Plan and execute verification and validation (V&V) activities across component, subsystem, and system levels, including the development of test procedures, work instructions, and risk assessments.
  • Analyse, verify, and validate the performance of hardware and associated control systems, initiating corrective actions and driving continuous improvement.
  • Perform system architecture, functional analysis, and safety assessments across hydrogen fuel system concepts, supporting trade studies and design decisions.
  • Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including P&IDs, system schematics, drawings, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety frameworks, including DO-160, DO-178, DO-254, EASA/CAA requirements, and applicable industrial standards (PSSR, PED, ASME B31.3).
  • Apply and promote best practices in hazardous area operations (ATEX, DSEAR) and hydrogen safety, supporting certification and airworthiness activities.

Requirements

  • Degree or equivalent qualification/experience in Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Strong expertise in gas system design and operation, including compressed gas and hydrogen systems, supported by practical experience in high-hazard environments.
  • Proven experience in the specification, integration, and testing of hydrogen fuel systems, including both gaseous and cryogenic storage and supply solutions.
  • Solid background in mechanical assembly, pressure testing, leak detection (including helium leak testing), and validation of fluid systems, including knowledge of vacuum systems and outgassing assessment.
  • Good understanding of cryogenic systems and hydrogen safety, including risks related to asphyxiation, flammability, and explosive atmospheres (ATEX/DSEAR).
  • Knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and gas dynamics, applied to hydrogen system design and performance analysis.
  • Experience applying system safety and reliability methods (e.g. FHA, FTA, FMEA/FMECA, SAR).
  • Experience with engineering analysis and simulation tools (e.g. ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, Python).
  • Working knowledge of CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks) for system design and packaging.

Advantageous:

  • Experience developing hydrogen systems for aerospace or other transport applications (automotive, rail, marine), including system layout and integration.
  • Understanding of fuel cells and hydrogen propulsion systems, including integration considerations for transport applications.
  • Familiarity with aerospace certification, airworthiness requirements, and standards.
  • Thermal modelling simulation and analysis experience developing and executing 1D/3D computational models (e.g., CFD, transient thermal analysis) to predict system performance.

Apply for this position