At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead modelling and simulation projects, shaping engineering solutions and mentoring junior engineers.
- Company: Join Stirling Dynamics, a dynamic company at the forefront of aerospace and marine engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and a culture that values collaboration and technical excellence.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and involvement in diverse, cutting-edge projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a smaller organisation where your work directly influences projects and direction.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Mathematics with strong modelling skills and experience in collaborative environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Stirling Dynamics is looking for a Principal Modelling and Simulation Engineer to join our Simulation and Control capability. This is an opportunity to take a leading technical role while also shaping how work is delivered and helping develop the next generation of engineers.
At Stirling Dynamics, modelling and simulation sits at the heart of everything we do, from aircraft systems and flight control laws through to submarine autopilots and next-generation platforms.
Why join Stirling Dynamics?
- Make a visible impact: In a smaller, highly capable organisation, your work directly influences projects, customers, and technical direction.
- High-calibre, collaborative team: Work alongside experienced and highly skilled likeminded engineers across aerospace and marine domains.
- Technical depth and real ownership: You will have the autonomy to shape solutions, define approaches, and make the role your own.
- Broader scope than a typical role: Work across a variety of projects, from aircraft systems and control laws to marine autonomy and emerging technologies.
- Flexible career path: We support progression whether you want to deepen your technical expertise or grow into a broader leadership role.
- Open to diverse backgrounds: We welcome candidates from aerospace, automotive, robotics, energy, defence, or other complex engineering sectors.
Responsibilities
This role blends hands-on technical modelling with technical leadership and team support. You will:
- Lead the development of system and vehicle-level models, covering plant and control algorithms.
- Define modelling approaches, requirements, and verification strategies.
- Own delivery of work packages or technical activities.
- Present results and technical outputs to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support and mentor junior engineers.
- Help create confidence, clarity and structure within the team.
- Contribute to planning, task definition, and delivery prioritisation.
- Help ensure teams remain motivated, engaged, and aligned to deadlines.
Qualifications
Candidates will be degree qualified (or equivalent) in a related discipline preferably Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mathematics, and must be able to demonstrate a good understanding of fundamental modelling principles of systems through experience.
Essential skills
Core Technical Skills:
- Strong experience with Matlab/Simulink-based modelling and simulation.
- Experience developing system based engineering models and models of complex dynamic systems.
- Understanding of control systems, system performance modelling, vehicle dynamics, and multi-domain simulation.
- Experience working in collaborative engineering environments using tools such as version control and task management.
Leadership and Behavioural Attributes:
- Ability to balance technical delivery with team support.
- Comfortable guiding and mentoring others.
- Able to bring clarity and direction to complex problems.
- Strong communication with both engineers and customers.
- A proactive, 'take ownership' mindset.
Experience:
- Advanced control techniques (e.g. Kalman filtering, state estimation).
- Real-time modelling or code generation using Matlab.
- Auto coding or C/C++.
- Experience across sectors such as aerospace, marine, robotics, or automotive.
- Proven experience applying modelling and simulation to complex engineering systems.
What do I need before I apply?
Due to security restrictions on the projects, we can only consider UK nationals for this role.
Benefits
Working at Stirling:
- Bristol-based with hybrid working available.
- Opportunities to work across both commercial and defence projects.
- A culture that values technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Competitive package - Grade 4-7, £45,000-£72,500 dependent on experience.
- We offer a range of benefits to our employees to recognise their efforts.
- Regular events are held throughout the year which provide an ideal opportunity to mix socially.
Principal Modelling and Simulation Engineer in Bristol employer: Stirling Dynamics Limited
Stirling Dynamics is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for Principal Modelling and Simulation Engineers to make a tangible impact in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a focus on technical excellence and employee growth, you will have the autonomy to shape complex engineering solutions while working alongside a high-calibre team. The Bristol-based location provides a vibrant culture with flexible working options and regular social events, ensuring a balanced and rewarding work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Modelling and Simulation Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Stirling Dynamics Limited for a Principal Modelling and Simulation Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Modelling and Simulation Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Stirling Dynamics Limited, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Stirling Dynamics Limited, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stirling Dynamics Limited
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Stirling Dynamics Limited.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Stirling Dynamics Limited. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Stirling Dynamics Limited love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
