Digital Research Engineer Model-Based Enterprise (MBE)

Part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the National Composites Centre (NCC) is an independent, open-access technology centre focused on addressing some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges. You will join this dynamic organisation as it embarks on implementing its new 5-year strategy, one that is growth and impact focused.

Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) is a strategic approach to using digital models as the authoritative source of information throughout the product lifecycle — from concept and design to manufacturing, inspection, and sustainment. Instead of relying on traditional 2D drawings and disconnected documents, MBE enables integrated, data-rich 3D models to drive decisions, collaboration, and automation across engineering and business functions.

About the team

You'll join our Automation and Digital Systems team, working to deliver digital transformation projects and provide technical direction for the development of digital system architectures and software tools. You'll support the development of integrated data capture systems, including in-process verification solutions, to enable ‘Right First Time’, data-driven manufacture.

What you'll be doing

• Evaluate digital design and manufacturing workflows, including CAD, CAM, PLM, and collaborative platforms, to support the delivery of model-based practices.
• Contribute / define technical approaches for applying MBE to collaborative product development challenges.
• Support / lead the development of toolkits, frameworks, and training material to embed MBE across projects and teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in design and manufacturing environments.

The role will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, from collaborating with process experts to optimise complex manufacturing workflows, to supporting large-scale digital infrastructure deployments. You'll bridge the gap between traditional technical expertise and practical digital solution implementation skills to create the next generation of manufacturing workflows.

So, what are we looking for?

• Substantial experience in systems integration - digital to digital.
• A master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Digital Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Familiarity with digital design, manufacturing, and lifecycle management tools (e.g., CAD, CAM, PLM).
• Working knowledge of Model-Based Enterprise (MBE), Model Based Definition, Digital Thread, or Digital Twin practices
• Experience with CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE, Teamcenter, or equivalent tools.
• Experience of working in a team to deliver software projects, collaborative version control etc.
• Understanding of Systems Engineering principles.
• Awareness of any of following fields would be of interest: manufacturing verification technologies (i.e. machine vision/metrology/NDT), continuous process improvement, PLC programming, robotics/automation, immersive programming with Unity, CI/CD, manufacturing environments.
• Awareness programming languages: C#, Python, JavaScript.

See job description for fuller details and apply on the NCC careers website.

Closing date for application: 23:59 Sunday 14th December 2025

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

We see your future in ours. Apply now.