Placement Student - Wind turbine software: (12 months)

DNV; Bristol; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering solutions provider in Bristol seeks analytical students for an engineering placement. You will support the development of innovative solutions in wind turbine design software. Responsibilities include software verification, user support, and potential software development in C++ and Fortran. This role offers a competitive salary and exceptional development opportunities, including a pathway to a Graduate Programme upon successful completion of your studies.

Benefits

Starting Salary £24,000‑25,000 (Pro‑Rated)

26 days annual leave (Pro‑Rated)

Flexible working options

Private Medical and Dental Insurance

Wellbeing benefits including EAP and free fruit

Pension Scheme with employer contributions

Qualifications

• Highly analytical students studying relevant engineering disciplines.
• Strong numerical modelling skills.
• Passion for renewable energy technology.

Responsibilities

• Support verification of new features in Bladed software.
• Assist users in troubleshooting modelling challenges.
• Contribute to designing and developing new features.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical modelling skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Structural Engineering, Physics or similar

Tools

Python

C++

Fortran

Job description

Description

Within this, our Digital Solutions team provide engineering software tools and enterprise solutions for managing risk to improve safety and performance across industries including energy, maritime and healthcare.

Bladed is the leading aeroelastic design software for onshore and offshore wind turbines, trusted by the global wind industry. At its core is a physics‑based simulation engine, extensively validated against real‑world turbine data to deliver accurate and reliable results. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of engineers and software specialists, Bladed is undergoing a major re‑architecture and innovation program to maintain its market‑leading position – making this an exciting time to join us.

Current focus areas for the team include improving structural dynamics models for wind turbine blades and offshore support structures, extending the flexibility of the software to model novel systems, and re‑designing the software for use in automated workflows.

Our Opportunity

For highly analytical students studying towards a degree in subjects such as Mechanical, Aerospace or Structural Engineering, Physics or similar disciplines, our placements provide a fantastic opportunity to gain practical work experience to complement your university studies. Highly motivated, with strong numerical modelling skills and a passion for renewable energy technology, you’ll gain exposure to trusted industry software, collaborate with experienced engineers, and contribute to innovations shaping the future of wind energy.

Based from our central Bristol offices (a short walk from Temple Meads station), you’ll utilise your analytical and problem‑solving skills to help develop innovative solutions in our wind turbine design software, to impact the transition to a more decarbonised and sustainable future.

During your time with us, you’ll work alongside our professional development team. While the specific day‑to‑day nature of your role could vary depending on your skills and interests, you will get involved with a range of activities, including:

• Analysis and Testing
  • Support the verification of new features in the Bladed software
  • Assist in validating models using hand calculations and simulation tools
  • Contribute to improving automated test frameworks and consistency‑checking tools using Python
• Supporting Users
  • Assist users in troubleshooting unexpected results and provide solutions to their modelling challenges
  • Present Bladed features and analysis results; maintain clear documentation like release notes and reports
  • Capture new requirements through discussions with users and engineering experts
• Software Development (if appropriately skilled)
  • Contribute to designing and developing new features in Bladed engineering code, in C++ and Fortran languages
  • Fix defects identified through testing or reported by customers

You will also be given opportunity to work alongside our experts and participate in client discussions to develop your understanding of the wind industry, its terminology, our customers’ challenges and different engineering disciplines.

During your placement you’ll be stretched, but always supported, surrounded by people who want you to thrive, develop and embrace new challenges. And if you enjoy your time with us, you could be offered the opportunity to join our Graduate Programme at the end of your studies.

Responsibilities

We value all our people and the contributions they make to our business, so it’s important that our rewards make us all feel valued here. That’s why we offer a flexible reward and benefits package, allowing you to choose the things that matter most to you, including;

• Starting Salary £24,000‑25,000 (Pro‑Rated) based on 37.5 hours per week
• Exceptional development and support, with the potential to join our Graduate Development Programme, following completion of your degree
• Lifestyle benefits: 26 days annual leave (Pro‑Rated) in addition to bank holidays and flexible working options
• Wellbeing benefits: (inc Private Medical, Dental Insurance , Health Assessments, Gym allowance). Company contribution towards eye tests and glasses (for computer/laptop users), and Flu Vaccinations. Also, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides free and confidential support for issues including work, family, relationships, money and health and we provide free fruit in our offices
• Financial Benefits: including a Pension Scheme with employer pension with the ability to plan and prioritise own time and activities, to meet deadlines and achieve project objectives

Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country‑specific laws and practices.