Engine Simulation Engineer

Leonardo Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Join a fast-moving, outcome-driven engineering team that builds high-quality simulations and real-time experiences using commercial and proprietary game engines. You’ll shape how we exploit, extend, and integrate engines to solve complex systems problems, influence product roadmaps, and mentor engineers across disciplines. If you love squeezing performance from engines, building robust pipelines, and turning prototypes into production-grade systems, this role is for you.

• Lead engine-driven projects from concept through delivery, building demos, bespoke tools, and integrated simulations.
• Exploit and extend game and simulation engines to meet performance, quality, and interoperability goals.
• Design and implement robust systems using C++, Python, and Lua to automate workflows and integrate third-party tools.
• Drive engine maintenance and optimisation, including profiling, memory and CPU tuning, and platform-specific improvements.
• Collaborate across disciplines with systems engineers, software teams, Human Factors designers, and IT to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate, turning experimental ideas into validated features and production‑ready components.
• Mentor and document capture knowledge, run workshops, and support junior engineers to raise team capability.

• Proven experience as a game developer, engine engineer, or simulation engineer working with commercial game engines (Unreal, Unity, or similar).
• Good C++ skills and practical experience with Python and Lua scripting.
• Demonstrable track record of engine exploitation profiling, optimisation, custom module/plugin development, and toolchain integration.
• Systems thinking – you design solutions that consider performance, maintainability, and operational constraints.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, iterative design, and stakeholder-driven development.
• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to translate user needs into technical requirements.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

• Degree in a STEM field, ideally to Masters level.
• Experience with animation pipelines, 3D modelling, or content creation workflows.
• Familiarity with HLA, DIS, or other simulation interoperability standards.
• Background in UX/HMI design or human-in-the-loop simulation.
• Prior experience working on security-cleared or regulated projects.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). All successful applicants must be eligible for full security clearance and access to UK-caveated and ITAR controlled information. For more information and guidance, please visit

• Time to Recharge – Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future – Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters – Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance – All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning – Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Refer a friend – Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks – Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working – Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

GB – Edinburgh

GB – Newcastle

Permanent

Hybrid

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and Computer and Network Security