Fuel Research Engineer

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

As a Fuel Research Engineer (Sustainable Aviation Fuels), you will join our Bristol team to support our activities within the aerospace and sustainable energy sector.

This role focuses on advancing the understanding of safety characteristics of drop-in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), specifically investigating the relationship between flammability limits (UEL/LEL) and flash point. You will contribute to a research-driven programme built on comprehensive literature review and technical analysis, addressing knowledge gaps not covered in previous initiatives such as CLEAN3 and JetSCREEN.

• Location: Bristol
• On Site: Hybrid
• Clearance: Clearable 
• Experience Level: Early to Mid level (2-6 years)

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct detailed literature reviews on hydrocarbon fuels and flammability characteristics
• Analyse relationships between flash point, Upper Explosive Limit (UEL), and Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
• Compare conventional kerosene with synthetic SAF compositions, including paraffinic fuels
• Develop technical reports summarising findings, trends, and predictive relationships
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts in fuel safety and combustion

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical and research skills with experience in technical literature review
• Understanding of fuel chemistry, thermodynamics, or combustion science
• Ability to interpret and synthesise complex scientific data
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Python, or similar)
• Excellent written communication skills for technical reporting

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
• Academic or industry experience related to fuels, combustion, or chemical analysis
• Familiarity with aviation fuels and Jet A-1 specifications is advantageous

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and synthetic hydrocarbon structures
• Experience with flammability testing standards or fuel safety analysis
• Awareness of prior research programmes (e.g., CLEAN3, JetSCREEN) or similar initiatives

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

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