At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engine-driven projects, build demos, and create integrated simulations.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Shape innovative solutions and mentor fellow engineers in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with game engines, strong C++ skills, and a collaborative mindset.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving technology and enhancing global safety.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join a fast-moving, outcome-driven engineering team that builds high-quality simulations and real-time experiences using commercial and proprietary game engines. You’ll shape how we exploit, extend, and integrate engines to solve complex systems problems, influence product roadmaps, and mentor engineers across disciplines.
If you love squeezing performance from engines, building robust pipelines, and turning prototypes into production-grade systems, this role is for you.
What you will do
- Lead engine-driven projects from concept through delivery, building demos, bespoke tools, and integrated simulations.
- Exploit and extend game and simulation engines to meet performance, quality, and interoperability goals.
- Design and implement robust systems using C++, Python, and Lua to automate workflows and integrate third-party tools.
- Drive engine maintenance and optimisation, including profiling, memory and CPU tuning, and platform-specific improvements.
- Collaborate across disciplines with systems engineers, software teams, Human Factors designers, and IT to deliver cohesive solutions.
- Rapidly prototype and iterate, turning experimental ideas into validated features and production-ready components.
- Mentor and document: capture knowledge, run workshops, and support junior engineers to raise team capability.
What we’re looking for
Must have
- Proven experience as a game developer, engine engineer, or simulation engineer working with commercial game engines (Unreal, Unity, or similar).
- Good C++ skills and practical experience with Python and Lua scripting.
- Demonstrable track record of engine exploitation: profiling, optimization, custom module/plugin development, and toolchain integration.
- Systems thinking: you design solutions that consider performance, maintainability, and operational constraints.
- Experience with rapid prototyping, iterative design, and stakeholder-driven development.
- Strong stakeholder management and the ability to translate user needs into technical requirements.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
Desirable
- Degree in a STEM field, ideally to Masters level.
- Experience with animation pipelines, 3D modelling, or content creation workflows.
- Familiarity with HLA, DIS, or other simulation interoperability standards.
- Background in UX/HMI design or human-in-the-loop simulation.
- Prior experience working on security-cleared or regulated projects.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). All successful applicants must be eligible for full security clearance and access to UK-caveated and ITAR controlled information.
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
Benefits
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
Location
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle
Contract
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Engine Simulation Engineer employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engine Simulation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work with game engines, simulations, and any cool projects you've led. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and creativity beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to engine simulation. Think about how you can highlight your experience with C++, Python, and Lua, and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Leonardo.
We think you need these skills to ace Engine Simulation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with game engines like Unreal or Unity. We want to see your C++, Python, and Lua skills shine through in your application!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with the role. Mention specific projects where you’ve optimised engines or built robust systems.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for your achievements and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Engine Simulation Engineer role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Engines
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial game engines like Unreal and Unity. Be ready to discuss your experience with engine exploitation, profiling, and optimisation. Highlight specific projects where you've built demos or bespoke tools.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your C++, Python, and Lua skills. You might be asked to solve a coding problem or explain how you've used these languages in past projects. Bring examples of your work that showcase your ability to design robust systems.
✨Think Systems, Not Just Code
Be ready to talk about your approach to systems thinking. Discuss how you consider performance, maintainability, and operational constraints when designing solutions. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your thought process.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working with various teams, prepare to discuss your collaboration experiences. Share examples of how you've managed stakeholders and translated user needs into technical requirements. Strong communication skills will be crucial!