Modelling and Simulation Engineer

Nova Systems is a global engineering services and technology solutions company, with strategically located offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. We play a key part in keeping the global community safe. We pride ourselves in being responsive to our customers and are committed to delivering our solutions in a timely way. Small enough to care, big enough to matter, we leverage the benefits of scale for our clients.

Our Vision - to be a global systems innovator.  Our Purpose - To make our world safe and secure.

The Role

As a Modelling & Simulation (M&S) Engineer, you will play a key role in developing and applying simulation capabilities to support decision-making for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). You will develop simulation models, scenarios and analytical capabilities that underpin experimentation, capability assessment and future force development.

You will combine modelling and simulation expertise with software engineering skills to represent complex systems and behaviours, integrate simulation capabilities and generate evidence to support defence decision-making. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside M&S, software, data and defence domain specialists

Key Accountabilities

•    Develop and maintain simulation models and scenarios representing platforms, systems, behaviours, interactions and operational effects for Project Crucible  and related M&S initiatives. 
•    Translate operational and technical requirements into simulation representations, working with defence subject matter experts to ensure models are appropriate for the intended use. 
•    Design and conduct simulation-based experiments, including scenario configuration, execution, analysis of outputs and interpretation of results to support capability and operational decision-making. 
•    Develop software, scripts and automation to improve model development, scenario generation, simulation execution and data processing. 
•    Integrate models and simulation capabilities within distributed and federated simulation environments, including the implementation and testing of interfaces between systems. 
•    Conduct verification and validation activities, documenting model assumptions, limitations and evidence to support confidence in simulation results. 
•    Contribute to the development of new M&S capabilities, working with M&S, software, data and domain specialists to rapidly prototype and deliver technical solutions.

Essential Technical Capabilities

•    Experience in the development, configuration and application of modelling and simulation tools and environments, including the development of models, behaviours and scenarios. 
•    Knowledge of distributed and federated simulation environments, including simulation interoperability protocols and standards such as DIS and HLA. 
•    Understanding of model verification and validation, including the management of model assumptions, limitations and fitness for purpose. 
•    Experience using C++ and Python for modelling and simulation development, integration and automation.

Desirable Capabilities & Experience

•    Experience with VR-Forces, AFSIM or comparable constructive simulation tools. 
•    Experience within Defence Modelling & Simulation, particularly within the Air and/or Maritime domains. 
•    Experience applying simulation to experimentation, capability assessment and operational analysis, including the analysis and interpretation of simulation outputs. 
•    Understanding of networking concepts relevant to distributed and federated simulation environments. 
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand complex systems and determine how they can be appropriately represented within simulation.

Security Requirements

•    UK Citizenship (mandatory – no dual passport)   &  Ability to hold Security Clearance (SC)

Why Join Us

At Nova Systems, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, trust, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment for learning and development, backed by our professional development allowance, mentoring, and opportunities to work on impactful UK and global defence projects.

Benefits & Perks

•    8.5% Matched Salary Sacrifice Pension
•    Up to £3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance 
•    5 days Development Leave
•    25 days Annual Leave + UK Public Holidays 
•    Enhanced Parental Leave 
•    Reservist Leave       
•    Loyalty Leave 
•    Private Medical Insurance     
•    Life Insurance  
•    Upto 6 Weeks Sick Pay     
•    Employee Assistance Program 
•    Reward & Recognition Programme     
•    Discounts and more 
•    Flexible and Hybrid working          
•    Free Parking 
•    Travel expenses paid to client sites 

Location and Ways of Working 
We support any client/onsite workdays with travel expenses and accommodation when required, this supports you being based anywhere in the UK if you are happy to commute for those days where the team collaborates onsite.  This is typically 2-3 days a week with the rest being home or office based.  We do try our best to ensure we can be as flexible as possible and offer work from home options to balance the days, however due to the sensitive nature of some of our projects, then onsite is necessary.  The client site is located at Cody Technology Park, Farnborough, Hampshire, which is where the work will be based.  

Interview Process
1.    MS Teams Screen call with Talent Partner 
2.    MS Teams Interview with Hiring Manager / Snr Team Member      
3.    SHL Online Assessment            
4.    Final interview / meet the team - In Person at one of our Offices 
•    May include pre briefed case study / research presentation 
•    Right to work documents must be provided at this stage if not before.

PLEASE NOTE This role requires pre-employment screening in line with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). In relation to our work for defence, security and intelligence this position requires applicants and our employees to be UK Nationals, and able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved.  For this reason, only UK Nationals (i.e. those born in the UK and holding a UK Passport and no other passports) will be eligible for this role.

We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual.  

At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business.  
We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively support the wellbeing of our team. If you have special access requirements, please do let us know.