Computational Engineer
£57,000 / yr base salary
Posted 12 Oct 2026
Advertised as “STRIDE - Advanced Specialist HPC Computational Engineer”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- Hybrid
- Contract
- Full-time
| Base salary | £57,000 / yr |
|---|---|
| Cash bonus | £3,998 |
| Total comp | £61,000 |
Field of studyComputational Science, Mathematics, Physical Science
Study levelDoctorate
Job Description
About us
Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
About the job
Join UKAEA as an Advanced Specialist HPC Computational Engineer and play a leading role in developing the advanced computational capabilities that support fusion energy research and engineering. You will contribute to cutting-edge modelling, simulation and digital engineering activities, helping to improve understanding of complex fusion systems while shaping the next generation of high-performance computing technologies. This is an opportunity to combine technical leadership, research and software development in a role with significant impact across national and international programmes.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead modelling, simulation and uncertainty quantification activities across fusion research programmes.
- Develop and evaluate novel numerical methods and algorithms for scientific and engineering applications.
- Lead the design, development, testing and maintenance of advanced scientific software.
- Drive the deployment and assessment of emerging computing architectures and accelerator technologies.
- Design and support digital twin capabilities for current and future fusion systems.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific conferences.
- Contribute to research funding proposals and identify new opportunities for future programmes.
- Build and support international collaborations across multi-partner research projects.
- Oversee the technical delivery of small project teams, ensuring milestones are achieved to scope and schedule.
- Provide specialist expertise, technical guidance and skills development across the wider team.
What You’ll Bring
- Doctorate in a computational, mathematical or physical science discipline, supported by a strong publication record or significant contribution to relevant software libraries, or equivalent commercial or research experience.
- Experience leading technical projects or teams within a research or engineering environment.
- Significant experience developing software using at least one compiled language (such as C++, Fortran, C or Rust) or advanced scripting language, evidenced through contributions to software packages.