Bristol Simulation and Modelling Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026 Modelling modern weapo[...]

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A synthetic fuel company in the UK seeks a computational scientist to develop process models and simulations from operational data. Your role will involve refining DAC process models, performing heat and mass transfer calculations, and working with teams to validate models against empirical data. The ideal candidate has 3-7 years of experience, preferably with a background in chemical engineering, and proficiency in relevant tools like MATLAB and Aspen Plus. Competitive salary of £70-80k depending on experience, with additional benefits including significant share options and relocation support.

Benefits

Significant share options

Unlimited time-off

Extensive relocation support

Qualifications

• 3‑7 years experience in process modelling, computational science, or chemical/process engineering.
• Proven experience with MATLAB, Aspen Plus/HYSYS, and/or COMSOL, ANSYS Fluent, or Python.
• Experience in model validation with lab or pilot data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine process models for the DAC process.
• Perform dynamic process simulations and optimisation studies.
• Build and maintain modular simulation tools to support assessments.

Skills

Process modelling

Computational science

Chemical engineering

MATLAB

Python

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

COMSOL

Job description

Company Overview

Rivan Industries (Rivan.Com) is a synthetic fuel company designed to decarbonise heavy industry. We aim to make synthetic fuel cheaper than fossil fuels and sustain life on earth by keeping the CO2 locked underground.

We’ve designed and manufacture modular synthetic fuel plants consisting of a DAC system, an Alkaline Electrolyser, and a Sabatier Reactor, vertically integrating with off-grid DC solar and the European gas-grid. We've recently deployed the UK’s largest synthetic fuel plant and are planning to 1000x this scale in the next two years.

The Role

We’re looking for a computational scientist to take the reins by building models and simulations on top of our operational data to direct where we spend our next resources. You will find every integration pinch point, performance ceiling, and fragile operation before it becomes an issue.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine process models for Rivan's lime-based Direct Air Capture (DAC) process, integrating thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena.
• Perform first-principles heat and mass transfer calculations, dynamic process simulations, and optimisation studies.
• Work cross-functionally with experimental and design teams to validate models against empirical data, refine process understanding, and inform plant operation and scale-up.
• Build and maintain modular simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Aspen Plus, COMSOL, or custom Python models) to support techno-economic and performance assessments.

Qualifications

• 3‑7 years experience in process modelling, computational science, or chemical/process engineering.
• Bachelor's or Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Process Systems Engineering or related field (PhD advantageous).
• Proven experience with MATLAB, Aspen Plus/HYSYS, and/or COMSOL, ANSYS Fluent, or Python.
• Strong background in heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, and first-principles modelling (PDEs, reaction kinetics, etc.).
• Experience in model validation with lab or pilot data; understanding of solid‑gas systems (calcination, hydration, carbonation); and past demonstration of system optimisation preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

£70‑80k salary depending on experience, significant share options as part of the early team, in-person work at our HQ in Bermondsey, South‑East London, extensive relocation support including £6,000 per year extra to live close to our HQ, and unlimited time‑off.

Location

In-person work at our HQ in Bermondsey, South‑East London.