FEM, Design & AI/ML Optimisation Engineer (KTP Associate)

Derby; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Derby, in partnership with James Engineering Ltd, invites applications for a KTP Associate role based at James Engineering’s premises in Alfreton, Derbyshire. You will develop JEMD software, apply FEM and AI/ML to chimney design, and deliver technical outputs and training.

You will work under dual supervision from academia and industry, with a dedicated training budget and career development opportunities. This is a full‑time on‑site position funded by KTP.

Qualifications

• Graduate with MSc in Structural/Mechanical/Civil Engineering.
• Practical coding in Python and FEM experience.
• Knowledge of Eurocode-based design and QA practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of FEM-based design framework for chimneys and inlet reinforcement.
• Validate design methods and translate results into practical guidance.
• Deliver training and documentation; manage project milestones.

Skills

Python

FEM

Data analysis

Numerical modelling

Optimsation techniques

Education

MSc in Structural Engineering

MSc in Mechanical or Civil Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Python

Job description

£36,000 to £40,000 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £42,000 per annum)

Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground‑breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real‑world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting‑edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands‑on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.

School of Engineering and Built Environment

TheSchool of Engineering and Built Environmentat the University of Derby is a dynamic and future‑focused academic community that blends technical excellence with creative innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, architecture, construction, and design, preparing students to tackle global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment.

The School is home to research‑active academics with backgrounds in engineering, architecture, interior design, and construction. Our staff bring real‑world experience and academic rigour to the classroom, supporting students in developing both creative portfolios and technical competencies.

The discipline area is located in the University’s STEM annex in Markeaton Street, where staff offices and lab facilities are co‑located. Key investments in the last few years include dedicated intelligent instrumentation and smart sensor technologies, robotics, renewable energy, power engineering and advanced materials and manufacturing. The discipline area is actively engaged in knowledge exchange projects and has an active applied research agenda.

About James Engineering Ltd

James Engineering is a third‑generation family engineering business, established over 75 years ago, specializing in structural steelwork, architectural metalwork and industrial chimney systems. The company delivers fully integrated engineering solutions through commercial, industrial, defence and energy infrastructure projects, achieving an annual turnover of £10 million. James Engineering is investing in advanced digital design to become a UK leader in chimney and exhaust‑flue systems.

University of Derby’s College of Science and Engineering in partnership with James Engineering Ltd are offering an exciting career‑development opportunity to manage and deliver a challenging strategic Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project. Based at James Engineering Ltd’s premises in Alfreton, Derbyshire, you will be employed by the University as a KTP Associate but work under the terms and conditions of the company.

In this role, you will lead the development of James Engineering Modelling Design (JEMD), an innovative software platform that integrates Eurocode‑compliant design, advanced numerical modelling, and AI/ML‑driven optimisation to transform the design of industrial chimneys and inlet reinforcement systems for both traditional and emerging clean‑energy sectors.

Working closely with academic experts from the University of Derby, engineers at James Engineering, and specialist software developers, you will develop and apply advanced Finite Element Method (FEM) and data‑driven optimisation techniques to establish a simulation‑led design capability for industrial chimney systems. You will also develop and validate new design methodologies and formulae for chimney inlet reinforcement systems, addressing an area where current Eurocode guidance is limited and contributing to potential future enhancements to BS EN 1993‑3‑2.

Using your knowledge and skills to support the business and achieve specific project aims, you will receive on‑going support by a Supervisor at James Engineering Ltd, an Academic Supervisor and Academic Lead from the University of Derby to help you deliver. A personal training and development budget will also be available for you to access, as well as receiving access to the same training opportunities and facilities as University staff.

Anticipated interview date: w/c 26th October 2026

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

This full‑time post is part‑funded by the UK Government’s KTP programme. A KTP is a three‑way project between a graduate, an organisation and a university. KTP is one of the UK’s largest graduate recruitment programmes and has been placing graduates on challenging, high profile projects for 50 years. In addition to a competitive salary and core KTP development training, you will have a dedicated budget of £3,500 further training and career development. To find out more about the scheme visit: ktp‑uk.org/graduates 

Please note by completing an application form for this role, you are giving your consent for us to share your personal data with the KTP partner.

We're looking for a talented, driven engineering graduate with an MSc (or equivalent qualification) in Structural, Mechanical, Civil Engineering or a related discipline, and demonstrable experience in structural analysis, design and Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling. You'll bring practical numerical simulation and coding experience in Python, MATLAB or an equivalent language, a working understanding of Eurocode‑based structural design, and experience managing multi‑stage technical workflows and delivering structured technical outputs such as reports and calculation records.

You’ll have strong, evidence‑based problem‑solving ability and the confidence to communicate technical findings clearly to both academic and industrial audiences. A collaborative mindset, willingness to learn new software and standards quickly, and the initiative to lead elements of technical delivery across academic and industrial teams are essential.

Desirable experience includes optimisation techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE), Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML). Experience with Finite Element Method (FEM) and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software (e.g. ANSYS, Abaqus, MSC Software, or equivalent open‑source tools), as well as knowledge of wind engineering and vortex‑shedding analysis, would be advantageous. Previous experience of working with, or collaborating closely with, industrial partners or SMEs is also highly desirable.

• Lead the development of an integrated design framework combining Eurocode‑compliant design, numerical modelling and data‑driven optimisation for industrial chimneys and inlet reinforcement systems.
• Develop, validate and implement high‑fidelity FEM models for industrial chimneys and inlet reinforcement systems, ensuring their accuracy through comparison with analytical calculations, Eurocode provisions and real‑world engineering requirements.
• Translate modelling and simulation outcomes into practical design guidance, engineering procedures and decision‑support tools that enhance design efficiency, consistency and commercial competitiveness.
• Specify and oversee the development of the James Engineering Modelling Design (JEMD) software platform, ensuring engineering requirements are translated into a robust and commercially deployable solution.
• Lead the verification, validation and implementation of JEMD, benchmarking outputs against analytical methods, numerical simulations, experimental evidence and user requirements.
• Generate, manage and analyse engineering datasets using JEMD and related modelling tools to support design validation, analysis and continuous improvement.
• Apply advanced optimisation techniques, including DOE, RSM and AI/ML, to develop efficient, commercially viable and performance‑driven design solutions.
• Develop innovative design methods and validated design formulae for chimney inlet reinforcement systems and contribute to future enhancements of BS EN 1993‑3‑2 and industry design guidance.
• Deliver training, workshops and user documentation to embed FEM, optimisation and JEMD capabilities within James Engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, academic publications, conference presentations and technical marketing materials, and present project progress to the Local Management Committee (LMC).
• Maintain a project risk register, quantified baseline KPIs and delivery plan, and manage the project workplan in collaboration with academic and business supervisors.
• Undertake KTP management training and personal development activities and comply with the KTP Associate development requirements of the programme.
• MSc (or equivalent qualification) in Structural, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or a related discipline

Experience

• Experience of structural analysis and design
• Practical coding experience in Python, MATLAB or an equivalent language
• Experience managing multi‑stage technical workflows
• Experience delivering structured technical outputs (reports, calculation records, documentation)

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Working knowledge of Eurocode‑based structural design or similar design codes
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability, with a rigorous and evidence‑based approach to engineering analysis
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, able to engage confidently with both academic and industrial (commercial and production) audiences
• Ability to translate advanced modelling and analysis into practical, commercially usable tools and guidance
• A collaborative mindset, with the confidence and initiative to work across academic and industrial teams and to lead elements of technical delivery
• Quick learner, comfortable engaging with new software, standards and technical domains
• Ability to rapidly acquire new knowledge and adapt to changing business requirements
• Understanding of structural dynamics and wind engineering

Business Requirements

• This is a business‑based role: the KTP Associate will work primarily from James Engineering's premises in Alfreton, Derbyshire, requiring a consistent and visible presence within the office to support effective communication, collaboration, and project delivery, embedding within the engineering team.
• Willingness to travel between James Engineering, the University of Derby (Markeaton Street Campus and College of Science and Engineering facilities) and occasional external meetings, as required.
• Willingness to attend KTP residential training modules and the KTP Associates’ Conference.

Experience

• Demonstrable experience working in an industrial or commercial engineering environment
• Experience in Design of Experiments (DOE), Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and AI/ML‑based optimisation techniques
• Familiarity with engineering software workflows, data structures and software integration logic (e.g. contributing to or specifying requirements for bespoke engineering software)
• Experience of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or wind/vortex‑shedding analysis
• Experience of working with, or alongside, industrial partners or SMEs on applied research or consultancy projects

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Working knowledge of one or more commercial or open‑source FEM/CFD software packages (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, or similar)
• Understanding of good software development practice, including version control (e.g. Git) and writing clear, well‑documented, reproducible code
• Awareness of how design codes and standards (e.g. Eurocodes) are developed, reviewed and updated, and an interest in contributing to this process
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to both engineering and non‑technical/commercial audiences, including through reports, presentations and training materials
• Experience or interest in contributing to peer‑reviewed publications or conference papers

Whilst you will be employed by University of Derby, your terms and conditions will be that of James Engineering Ltd.

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Van Bac Nguyen, Associate Professor of Structural Engineering via [e-mail]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail] .

This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University.

The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI :

• Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
• You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job
• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may choose their preferred title, including 'Mx', and may share preferred pronouns if they wish. We also use anonymised shortlisting to help reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias. For more information on equity,diversityand inclusion at the University of Derby, pleasevisitour website .

We are also committed to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression within the law, in line with our Code of Practice , and value diversity of thought alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

However you identify, we welcome applications from people whose experiences, perspectives and talents will contribute to our inclusive, supportive and intellectually vibrant community.

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University’s strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University’s objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.