FEM, Design & AI/ML Optimisation Engineer (KTP Associate)
| Company: | University of Derby |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £36,000 to £40,000 a year |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Derby, DE22 1GB |
| Working pattern: | On-site |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Posting date: | 29 Sept 2026 |
| Closing date: | 20 Oct 2026 |
Summary
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.
About the Role
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.
About You
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.
Benefits
Whilst you will be employed by University of Derby, your terms and conditions will be that of James Engineering Ltd.
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Van Bac Nguyen, Associate Professor of Structural Engineering, via VB.Nguyen@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
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
You must also meet the English Language requirement.
Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.
For more information, visit our website.
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