At a Glance
- Tasks: Tackle complex technical problems using advanced science and mathematics.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to solving real-world challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and grow into a leadership role.
- Why this job: Make an impact across diverse sectors while developing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant experience in physics, mathematics, or engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Apply advanced science, mathematics and computation to some of the most challenging technical problems across industry and government.
We are looking for a technically strong scientist with a background in computational physics, applied mathematics, signal processing or a closely related discipline to join our Applied Physics team.
This role is ideal for someone who has recently completed a Ph D, or who has gained a small number of years of industrial experience, and is looking to apply rigorous scientific and mathematical thinking to complex real‑world challenges.
You will work alongside physicists, mathematicians, engineers and domain specialists to develop models, simulations, algorithms and analytical approaches that help clients understand, design and improve complex systems.
Projects span a wide range of sectors including defence, energy, manufacturing, transport, healthcare, infrastructure and emerging technologies.
This is an opportunity to apply deep technical skills in a consulting environment, working on varied challenges where no two projects are the same.
Job Description
The Role
This is a hands‑on technical role focused on analysis, modelling and problem solving.
- Projects you may work on
- Computational modelling and simulation
- Signal processing and sensing systems
- Applied mathematics and optimisation
- Data analysis and statistical inference
- Algorithm development and evaluation
- Decision‑support and analytical methods
- Digital engineering and model‑based approaches
- Emerging technologies, including quantum‑enabled methods where appropriate
- Experimental analysis and model validation
You will typically work as part of multidisciplinary teams led by experienced technical specialists, taking ownership of analytical tasks and technical work packages while developing your consulting and client‑facing experience.
Responsibilities
- Develop computational models, simulations and analytical tools.
- Analyse experimental, simulated and operational datasets.
- Apply mathematical and statistical techniques to solve complex technical challenges.
- Support the development and assessment of algorithms for sensing, optimisation, prediction and decision support.
- Contribute to technical reports, presentations and client deliverables.
- Present technical findings clearly to colleagues and clients.
- Support technical research, capability development and internal innovation activities.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues from physics, engineering, mathematics and data science backgrounds.
- Build expertise across multiple technical domains and application areas.
Qualifications
What We're Looking For
You are likely to have a degree, MSc or Ph D in
- Physics
- Applied Mathematics
- Electronic Engineering
- Mathematics
- Computer Science with a strong quantitative focus
- A closely related scientific or engineering discipline
You should have experience in several of the following
- Computational physics
- Applied mathematics
- Signal processing
- Numerical modelling and simulation
- Statistical analysis
- Scientific computing
- Data analysis
- Sensor fusion
- Machine learning for physical systems
- Experience with Python, MATLAB, C++, Julia or similar technical computing environments would be advantageous.
- The Ideal Candidate
- Intellectually curious and motivated by solving difficult problems.
- Strong analytically, with excellent mathematical foundations.
- Comfortable working with data, models and simulations.
- Interested in understanding how complex systems behave.
- Able to communicate technical ideas clearly and concisely.
- Collaborative and eager to learn from experienced colleagues.
- Adaptable and comfortable working across different sectors and technical domains.
- Pragmatic, creative and willing to tackle unfamiliar challenges.
- We are less concerned about your sector background than your ability to apply scientific thinking, learn quickly and deliver high‑quality analytical work.
- What You'll Gain
- Work alongside experienced physicists, mathematicians and engineers.
- Apply advanced science to complex, real‑world problems.
- Build expertise in modelling, simulation, sensing and advanced analytics.
- Gain exposure to a diverse range of sectors and technologies.
- Develop both technical depth and consulting experience.
- Grow into a future technical leadership role within a rapidly developing capability.
If you enjoy solving difficult problems, working with talented technical teams and applying science to meaningful challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
Additional Information
Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA.
It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose‑led meaningful work.
Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges.
We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self.
We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well‑being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits:
- Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare for you and your family
- 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
- Generous company pension scheme
- Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives
- Annual performance‑based bonus
- PA share ownership
- Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)
We’re committed to advancing equality.
We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience.
We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on
- Computational Physics & Signal Processing Consultant • Melbourn, GB
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Computational Physics & Signal Processing Consultant in Watford employer: PA Consulting
At PA Consulting, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in Greater London, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and strategic growth. Our employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive health benefits, all while having the opportunity to develop their careers in a supportive environment that values expertise in Google Cloud and industry-specific knowledge.
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We think this is how you could land Computational Physics & Signal Processing Consultant in Watford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Computational Physics & Signal Processing Consultant in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Computational Physics & Signal Processing Consultant, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to PA Consulting specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
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How to prepare for a job interview at PA Consulting
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with PA Consulting, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
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Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like PA Consulting want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.