Fuel Research Engineer
At a glance
Mid-level AI Research role at ALTEN. Bristol · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate £31,000–£445,000 across the United Kingdom.
ALTEN has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Review research on hydrocarbon fuels, focusing on their flammability behaviour
- Examine how flash point relates to the upper and lower flammability limits in sustainable aviation fuels
- Compare conventional kerosene with synthetic SAF blends, including paraffinic fuel types
- Turn the analysis into technical reports covering observed trends and predictive relationships
- Work with fuel-safety and combustion specialists to support the research programme
What you bring
- A bachelor's or master's in engineering, or equivalent military experience
- Around two to six years of relevant experience, with a background in fuels, combustion or chemical analysis
- Knowledge of fuel chemistry, thermodynamics or combustion, plus strong scientific research and data interpretation skills
- Ability to analyse data using Excel, Python or a comparable tool and write technical reports
Who this fits
This early-to-mid-level role suits someone who enjoys research into fuel safety and can make sense of complex scientific evidence. The position is based in Bristol with a hybrid arrangement. You must be eligible for security clearance or willing to complete the process, including baseline personnel security checks.
From the employer
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!
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
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
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.