AI Research Lead - Engineering Simulation

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced AI Research Lead to support the development of advanced AI solutions involving Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision Language Models (VLMs), Computer Vision, and Multimodal AI systems. The successful candidate will combine strong research expertise with hands-on engineering experience, leading the design, evaluation, and deployment of innovative AI capabilities from concept through to production.

This role requires an individual who can bridge academic research and industrial application, translating cutting-edge AI techniques into scalable, production-ready solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead R&D activities at the intersection of AI, simulation, and mechanical engineering.
• Develop AI-enabled engineering simulation capabilities.
• Support Digital Twin development and deployment.
• Apply machine learning techniques to improve simulation accuracy and efficiency.
• Bridge research and production deployment of advanced modelling solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering, systems, and software teams on complex technical programmes.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Mechanical engineering, simulation, or computational modelling background.
• Experience with FEA, CFD, and/or multiphysics simulation.
• Strong Python development skills.
• Experience applying AI/ML techniques to engineering and simulation problems.
• Experience developing surrogate models, reduced-order models, or Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs).
• Experience working with engineering simulation platforms such as:
  • ANSYS
  • Abaqus
  • COMSOL
• Experience designing and executing research programmes and validation studies.

AI & Advanced Analytics

• Machine Learning and Deep Learning applied to engineering systems.
• Experience with LLMs and Generative AI technologies.
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and knowledge-based systems.
• Hybrid AI-physics modelling approaches.
• Model validation, benchmarking, and performance assessment.

Digital Twin & Systems Engineering

• Experience developing or supporting Digital Twin solutions.
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience with SysML and tools such as:
  • Cameo
  • Capella
  • Enterprise Architect
• Experience integrating simulation environments with system-level engineering processes.

Software & Cloud

• Python development.
• API development and integration.
• Azure (preferred), AWS, or GCP.
• Docker and Kubernetes/AKS.
• Microservices and distributed architectures.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related discipline.
• Strong academic or industrial research background.

Desirable Skills:

Simulation Software

• Experience with:
  • ANSYS
  • Abaqus
  • COMSOL
  • Other equivalent simulation platforms

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

• SysML modelling
• Cameo
• Capella
• Enterprise Architect

Digital Engineering

• Digital Twins
• Lifecycle management integration
• System architecture modelling

Research Credentials

• Publications in AI/simulation fields
• Conference presentations
• Patents
• Research leadership

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.