Research Fellow in AI-Enabled Flight Deck Systems Integration and Validation

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Training in simulator trials with Pilø

Job summary

The Cranfield University Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power invites applications for a senior research role focused on integrating AI and monitoring components into a real-time pilot assistant for engine management. The role involves developing the software platform, running simulator trials with pilots, and publishing results in collaboration with industry partners.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in aerospace engineering or related field, strong programming skills (C#, C++,

Qualifications

• PhD in aerospace engineering or related field, or equivalent research experience.
• Experience in aircraft modelling, simulation, flight dynamics or flight control.
• Good publication record for career stage.
• Capable programmer in C#, C++, Python and basic AI knowledge for integration.

Responsibilities

• Build the software platform and automated tests that let the four partner AI and monitoring parts run as one system in real time.
• Set up flight scenarios for the research flight simulator.
• Plan and run simulator trials with pilots to show the integrated assistant works and is safe to use.
• Manage the day-to-day running of the simulator laboratory.
• Publish the research results.

Skills

C#

C++

Python

AI basics

Well organized

Education

PhD in aerospace engineering

Tools

Unity

Job description

The post sits on TRUST-IA, a Horizon Europe project coordinated by Cranfield's Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power. The holder joins four partner-built AI and monitoring parts into one real-time pilot assistant for engine management and tests it with airline pilots in simulator trials. The role also runs the Future Systems Simulator lab day to day and publishes results, working with Rolls-Royce and partners in Germany and France. A PhD in aerospace or a related engineering subject, or equivalent research experience, is required.

What the job involves

• Build the software platform and automated tests that let the four partner AI and monitoring parts run as one system in real time
• Set up flight scenarios for the research flight simulator
• Plan and run simulator trials with pilots to show the integrated assistant works and is safe to use
• Manage the day-to-day running of the simulator laboratory
• Publish the research results

What’s required

Qualifications

• PhD in aerospace engineering or a related engineering subject, or equivalent research experience

Experience

• Background in aircraft modelling and simulation, flight dynamics or flight control
• Good publication record for career stage

Skills & knowledge

• Capable programmer, for example in C#, C++ or Python
• Enough understanding of AI and machine learning to integrate and test AI software written by others
• Well organised

Other

• Enjoys working with industry and university partners
• Willing to take responsibility for a shared research facility

Nice to have

• Experience with Unity
• Experience of running simulator trials with pilots

What’s offered

• Flexible working, combining on-site and remote working where the role allows
• Training in running simulator trials with pilots