Engine Simulation Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking an experienced game developer to lead engine-driven projects. In this role, you'll utilize your expertise in C++, Python, and engine technologies to solve complex problems. Key responsibilities include mentoring junior engineers, optimizing performance, and collaborating with various teams. The position offers a permanent contract, hybrid working options, and a comprehensive benefits package to support professional growth and well-being.

Benefits

Generous leave with additional flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Free mental health support

Access to online courses

Flexible working hours

Financial rewards for referrals

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience with commercial game engines.
• Experience with engine profiling and optimization.
• Strong understanding of performance and maintainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead engine-driven projects from concept through delivery.
• Collaborate across disciplines on cohesive solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and document processes.

Skills

C++

Python

Lua

Game development

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in a STEM field

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

Job Description:

Join a fast-moving, outcome-driven engineering team that builds high-quality simulations and real-time experiences using commercial and proprietary game engines. You’ll shape how we exploit, extend, and integrate engines to solve complex systems problems, influence product roadmaps, and mentor engineers across disciplines.

If you love squeezing performance from engines, building robust pipelines, and turning prototypes into production-grade systems, this role is for you.

What you will do

• Lead engine-driven projects from concept through delivery, building demos, bespoke tools, and integrated simulations.
• Exploit and extend game and simulation engines to meet performance, quality, and interoperability goals.
• Design and implement robust systems using C++, Python, and Lua to automate workflows and integrate third‑party tools.
• Drive engine maintenance and optimisation, including profiling, memory and CPU tuning, and platform‑specific improvements.
• Collaborate across disciplines with systems engineers, software teams, Human Factors designers, and IT to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate, turning experimental ideas into validated features and production‑ready components.
• Mentor and document: capture knowledge, run workshops, and support junior engineers to raise team capability.

What we’re looking for

Must have

• Proven experience as a game developer, engine engineer, or simulation engineer working with commercial game engines (Unreal, Unity, or similar).
• Good C++ skills and practical experience with Python and Lua scripting.
• Demonstrable track record of engine exploitation: profiling, optimization, custom module/plugin development, and toolchain integration.
• Systems thinking: you design solutions that consider performance, maintainability, and operational constraints.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, iterative design, and stakeholder-driven development.
• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to translate user needs into technical requirements.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Desirable

• Degree in a STEM field, ideally to Masters level.
• Experience with animation pipelines, 3D modelling, or content creation workflows.
• Familiarity with HLA, DIS, or other simulation interoperability standards.
• Background in UX/HMI design or human-in-the-loop simulation.
• Prior experience working on security-cleared or regulated projects.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). All successful applicants must be eligible for full security clearance and access to UK‑caveated and ITAR controlled information. For more information and guidance, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

Benefits

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

Location

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle

Contract

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

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