Discrete Event Simulation Research Engineer (KTP Associate) (786531)

University of Strathclyde - Faculty of Engineering

Location: Burnley

Salary: Up to £42,500 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 17th February 2026

Closes: 4th March 2026

FTE: 37 hours/week

Contract type: Fixed term (24 months)

Would you like to be part of shaping the future of Safran Nacelles?

This opportunity is to be part of a team implementing Discrete Event Simulation (DES) within Safran’s Sheet Metal Centre of Excellence.

As a Knowledge Transfer Partnership associate you will work in partnership with The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) in association with the University of Strathclyde to embed DES within SAFRAN.

This project aims to use advanced simulation and digital technology to optimise the SAFRAN production system, enabling performance improvements and driving down costs. It will strive to make further advances in Digital Manufacture by linking the DES system to real time data from Safran’s Manufacturing Execution System and key machines.

Part of the Safran Group; Safran Nacelles based in Burnley, Lancashire designs, manufactures and supports engine nacelle systems for a range of commercial, regional and business jets. The company is committed to developing its people and products to support the Aerospace Industry.

The KTP associate will be integrated into the engineering team based at Safran Nacelles, Burnley and will be supported by business and academic supervisors.

This position offers the opportunity of a role that links academic research with a practical industry application, whilst contributing to digital manufacturing development.

The position offers the KTP Associate the following benefits:

• £2,000 per year to spend on personal training.
• KTP Associates spend around 10% of their time in training and personal development.
• At the start of the KTP you get a training budget to manage - you decide which courses would benefit you.
• You can choose a variety of training modules during your KTP: project management, marketing and communication, finance, leadership and/or personal development, as well as job-specific technical training.
• The opportunity to manage a challenging, real-world project.
• The chance to implement strategic development within an innovative company.
• You’ll own the project linked to university and business; their experienced teams will provide full support.
• Applying academic knowledge to a real-world challenge, this is a chance to deliver impact and shape your career.
• Invaluable experience gained through working on a KTP project with the support of expert teams.

The project is part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme that aims to help businesses to innovate and grow by working with UK universities. These are funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK and are part of the government’s Industrial Strategy. To find out how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position please visit: www.ktpws.org.uk

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dr Ruby Hughes, ruby.hughes@strath.ac.uk.

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