AWE have an exciting opportunity for a CFD Model Developer to exercise and improve capability in understanding nuclear warhead effects and environments in support of the UK's nuclear deterrent - Trident - and national nuclear security projects through theoretical research, model development and assessment. The role will sit within the Collateral Effects team, part of our Systems Assessment Group, in the Physics function.

Location: We are located between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking. There are good bus links between Reading, Basingstoke, and Newbury.

Package: 40,000 - 55,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Closing Date: 18th January 2024

If we receive an exceptionally high level of applications, this vacancy may close early, so don't delay, apply now!

The Role:

The Systems Assessment Group (SAG) is a multi-discipline group that provides mission effectiveness and weapon effects assessments to AWE and our government stakeholders. SAG also contributes to a range of capabilities in support of the UK's national nuclear security and treaty verification requirements. SAG undertakes fundamental scientific research, experimental trials, software model development, and operational analysis to provide strategic answers directly into our customer community.

The collateral effects team's primary role within SAG is studying the physical effects of nuclear detonations and their impact on people, populations, and infrastructure. To support this, work the team is directly involved in evaluation and assessment of computational models, low- and high-fidelity software model development, data analysis, software validation and verification (V&V), and stakeholder engagement across AWE and with other UK and international partners.

The collateral effects team are currently recruiting for a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Model Developer to exercise and improve capability and understanding of nuclear warhead effects and environments. A successful candidate will be involved with software assessment and ongoing model development work in one or more of the following: atmospheric science, debris/particle formation, physical injury/trauma, nuclear/radiation physics, using computational models, and ongoing code development.

Key Responsibilities

Planning and delivery of technical assessments using appropriate methodologies

Planning and development of theoretical models and software projects

V&V of theoretical models and software projects

Engagement with relevant communities across AWE

Contribute to interactions with international partners and external stakeholders in their field

Participate in review, learn and improve activities, and implement the outcomes to ensure the continued development and implementation of best practice in the delivery of technical projects

The Company may require you to fulfil other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs

Who Are We Looking For?

To be considered for this opportunity, you'll need the following:

An undergraduate degree in a scientific or STEM discipline, equivalent NQF level 6 qualification or equivalent experience

Experience working as a developer of high-fidelity scientific code and/or modelling complex scenarios with numerical methods, and/or computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Whilst not to be considered a check list, candidates should be able to demonstrate some of the following:

Experience with scientific programming languages such as C++, FORTRAN, and/or Python

Experience with high-fidelity scientific programming methodologies such as numerical methods, and/or differential equations

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling

Software design, development, and V&V best practices

Leading individual or group projects

The following would be advantageous but not essential:

Postgraduate qualification in a scientific or STEM discipline and/or relevant industry experience

A specialism in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:

Numerical methods

Turbulence

Atmospheric physics and dispersion modelling

Buoyant plume rise

Multiphase material modelling

Thermodynamics and equation of state

Physical chemistry

Using bespoke software to complete detailed analysis

Working level of experience in undertaking technical research and conducting technical assessments to draw sound scientific conclusions

Clear and concise communication both verbally and in written work

Objective problem-solving skill using technical knowledge

Ability to prioritise a varied workload for self or a small team, ensuring timely delivery with minimum supervision

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.

Agencies: Please note that we do not out-source our recruitment