Computational Modelling Engineer (Structural & Civil)

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent - Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?
AWE has exciting opportunities forComputational Modelling Engineers with a background in either Structural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering to come and join our Blast Damage Assessment Team within Physics, where you will have the chance to use state-of-the-art systems to simulate models and assess damage. This is an excellent opportunity to be involved in some unique and exciting work!
Location: Aldermaston, BerkshireWe are located between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking.
Package: £33,000 - £45,000 ( depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
Closing Date : 8th March 2024
The Team
You will be working in the Damage Assessment Team within the Systems Assessments Group (SAG). This multi-discipline group provides mission effectiveness and weapons effects assessments to AWE and our government stakeholders. We also contribute a range of capabilities in support of the UK’s national nuclear security.
We undertake fundamental research to understand complex blast wave propagation and the associated structural response. We utilise a range of disciplines including applied mathematics and statistics, civil and structural engineering, remote sensing and computational physics in order to provide operational analysis capability to our customer community.
What will you be required to do?

• Participating in the research and development of appropriate tools to predict the response of structures subject to blast loading. This includes running and developing high fidelity structural models as well as reduced order models
  
• Setting up complex models to run on state-of-the-art HPC systems
  
• Making assumptions on the design of buildings and structures based on limited information
  
• Participation in experimental trials and collaboration with overseas organisations (overseas travel may be involved)
  

What will you need to be considered?
Ideally, you will have a proven track record of working in multi-discipline teams, making sound technical judgments, and delivery of technical research. You will also be able to work with and positively influence others. Ideally you should have experience translating customer requirements into technical programmes of work.
Having demonstrable knowledge of one of the following is essential:

• Structural, civil or mechanical engineering
  
• Finite element modelling
  
• Computational fluid dynamics or fluid structure interaction
  

To be considered for the role, you must have a degree or equivalent level of experience working in a relevant STEM area.
A specialism in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Computational modelling including explicit dynamics and high strain rate effects
  
• Seismic analysis of buildings
  
• Geotechnical engineering
  
• Structural design (steel or concrete) to industry standards
  

An understanding of blast physics would also be beneficial. Experience of working with programming languages such as Python or Matlab would be desirable as would experience in one or more software tools such as Ansys, Abaqus , Lusas, OpenSees, OpenFoam and Staad Pro.
What will you get from us?
As part of our People Promise, AWE ( one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK ) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave.
  
• Working a 9-day fortnight, employees have every other Friday off work.
  
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time.
  
• Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay & Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
  
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training.
  
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
  
• A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
  
• Life Assurance
  
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending savings.
  
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family.
  
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site.
  

Important things you need to know:

• Interviews will be 90 minutes in length and will be held over Microsoft Teams. You will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation in advance.
  
• Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE.
  

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* Agencies: Please note that we do not out-source our recruitment
Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.