Computational Physics & Signal Processing Consultant

PA Consulting; Melbourn; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and lifestyle perks including 2

25 days annual leave

Generous pension

Performance bonus

PA share ownership

Job summary

PA Consulting is seeking a Computational Physics & Signal Processing Consultant. You will join our Applied Physics team to apply rigorous science to real‑world challenges and client problems across multiple sectors.

The role involves hands‑on analysis, modelling and problem solving, with opportunities to develop models, simulations, algorithms and analytical approaches while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Degree, MSc or PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.
• Experience in computational physics, numerical modelling and data analysis is desirable.
• Strong mathematical foundations and ability to communicate technical ideas clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational models, simulations and analytical tools.
• Analyse experimental, simulated and operational datasets.
• Apply mathematical and statistical techniques to solve complex challenges.
• Support development and assessment of algorithms for sensing, optimisation and decision support.
• Contribute to technical reports and client deliverables.
• Present findings clearly to colleagues and clients.
• Support research, capability development and internal initiatives.
• Collaborate with physics, engineering, mathematics and data science colleagues.

Skills

Computational physics

Applied mathematics

Signal processing

Numerical modelling

Statistical analysis

Data analysis

Sensor fusion

Machine learning for physical systems

Python

MATLAB

C++

Julia

Education

Physics

Applied Mathematics

Electronic Engineering

Mathematics

Computer Science with a strong quantitative focus

Closely related scientific or engineering discipline

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C++

Julia

Job description

Computational Physics & Signal Processing Consultant

• Full-time

Apply advanced science, mathematics and computation to some of the most challenging technical problems across industry and government.

We are looking for a technically strong scientist with a background in computational physics, applied mathematics, signal processing or a closely related discipline to join our Applied Physics team.

This role is ideal for someone who has recently completed a PhD, or who has gained a small number of years of industrial experience, and is looking to apply rigorous scientific and mathematical thinking to complex real-world challenges.

You will work alongside physicists, mathematicians, engineers and domain specialists to develop models, simulations, algorithms and analytical approaches that help clients understand, design and improve complex systems. Projects span a wide range of sectors including defence, energy, manufacturing, transport, healthcare, infrastructure and emerging technologies.

This is an opportunity to apply deep technical skills in a consulting environment, working on varied challenges where no two projects are the same.

The Role

This is a hands-on technical role focused on analysis, modelling and problem solving.

You will contribute to projects involving:

• Computational modelling and simulation
• Signal processing and sensing systems
• Applied mathematics and optimisation
• Data analysis and statistical inference
• Algorithm development and evaluation
• Decision-support and analytical methods
• Digital engineering and model-based approaches
• Emerging technologies, including quantum‑enabled methods where appropriate
• Experimental analysis and model validation

You will typically work as part of multidisciplinary teams led by experienced technical specialists, taking ownership of analytical tasks and technical work packages while developing your consulting and client‑facing experience.

Responsibilities

You will:

• Develop computational models, simulations and analytical tools.
• Analyse experimental, simulated and operational datasets.
• Apply mathematical and statistical techniques to solve complex technical challenges.
• Support the development and assessment of algorithms for sensing, optimisation, prediction and decision support.
• Contribute to technical reports, presentations and client deliverables.
• Present technical findings clearly to colleagues and clients.
• Support technical research, capability development and internal innovation activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues from physics, engineering, mathematics and data science backgrounds.
• Build expertise across multiple technical domains and application areas.

What We're Looking For

You are likely to have a degree, MSc or PhD in:

• Physics
• Applied Mathematics
• Electronic Engineering
• Mathematics
• Computer Science with a strong quantitative focus
• A closely related scientific or engineering discipline

You should have experience in several of the following:

• Computational physics
• Applied mathematics
• Signal processing
• Numerical modelling and simulation
• Statistical analysis
• Scientific computing
• Data analysis
• Sensor fusion
• Machine learning for physical systems
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, C++, Julia or similar technical computing environments would be advantageous.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be:

• Intellectually curious and motivated by solving difficult problems.
• Strong analytically, with excellent mathematical foundations.
• Comfortable working with data, models and simulations.
• Interested in understanding how complex systems behave.
• Able to communicate technical ideas clearly and concisely.
• Collaborative and eager to learn from experienced colleagues.
• Adaptable and comfortable working across different sectors and technical domains.
• Pragmatic, creative and willing to tackle unfamiliar challenges.
• We are less concerned about your sector background than your ability to apply scientific thinking, learn quickly and deliver high‑quality analytical work.

What You'll Gain

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Work alongside experienced physicists, mathematicians and engineers.
• Apply advanced science to complex, real‑world problems.
• Build expertise in modelling, simulation, sensing and advanced analytics.
• Gain exposure to a diverse range of sectors and technologies.
• Develop both technical depth and consulting experience.
• Grow into a future technical leadership role within a rapidly developing capability.

If you enjoy solving difficult problems, working with talented technical teams and applying science to meaningful challenges, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare for you and your family
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
• Generous company pension scheme
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives
• Annual performance‑based bonus
• PA share ownership
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)

Equal Opportunity

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Adjustments or accommodations – Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [e-mail]