Principal Modelling and Simulation Engineer

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. 

Shape complex engineering solutions. Lead people. Make a real impact. 

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, you are not just a small part of a much larger machine. 
• High-calibre, collaborative team 
  You will work alongside experienced and highly skilled likeminded engineers across aerospace and marine domains, in an open working environment where new ideas are welcomed. 
• Technical depth and real ownership 
  We trust our engineers to take 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 
  Whether you want to deepen your technical expertise, lead work packages, or grow into a broader leadership role, we support that progression. 
• Open to diverse backgrounds 
  We welcome candidates from aerospace, automotive, robotics, energy, defence, or other complex engineering sectors. Strong fundamentals matter more than domain history. 

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 

• 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.

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 
  • 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 

• 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
• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline  
• Proven experience applying modelling and simulation to complex engineering systems 

• Due to security restrictions on the projects, we can only consider UK nationals for this role.

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. Playing hard is equally as important as working hard, so regular events are held throughout the year which provide an ideal opportunity to mix socially.