Rail Energy & Emissions Modeller

This is an exciting full-time opportunity in a fast-growing organisation that is delivering a real impact on air quality and carbon emissions reductions worldwide.

We are looking for a highly numerate consultant with strong problem-solving skills and an interest in current UK railway operations, preferably with an interest in improving air quality and addressing climate change. We value staff who enjoy taking the initiative, who work effectively with colleagues, and who produce work to a high technical standard.

Working within our rail team, you will have the opportunity to gain market-leading experience in the sector - developing rail energy, emissions and systems models through typically code-based solutions. This includes modelling the timing, energy and environmental performance of different rolling stock types and the impact of different traction and emissions mitigation technologies.

At Aether, our unwavering commitment to success is deeply rooted in the belief that our people are our greatest asset. We take immense pride in fostering a culture where every individual is not just an employee but an integral part of our business.

Who is Aether?

Aether is a niche environmental consultancy specialising in the compilation, reporting, and review of emission inventories and projections, and the development of sectoral policies and measures for business, local and national governments globally. With some of the world’s leading scientific experts in the fields of Climate Change and Air Quality we have built a strong reputation with customers and collaborators around the world by delivering innovation and technical excellence.

We have detailed knowledge of the rail sector, including expertise in estimating and modelling train energy usage and emissions and how these vary across the UK rail network by traffic level and rolling stock type. Our clients include RSSB, DfT, Defra, TfL, Rail Partners and other railway industry stakeholders.

As an owner-managed business Aether has a strong culture, founded on happy, motivated and valued employees and on delivering positive outcomes for all stakeholders.  The four founders have grown the company to its current complement of thirty-eight and the company is at a very exciting stage as it transitions from an owner-managed business into a scalable platform that is well positioned for growth. 

You can find out more about us here: https://aether-uk.com/

The Role

The post holder will contribute to a wide-ranging portfolio of rail and transport-sector projects at Aether, as well as business development tasks. The post holder will spend most of their time developing a conceptual understanding of physical rail systems and implementing solutions in a code-based environment. This will typically involve the following steps:

• Undertaking the processing and analysis of data

• Utilising and distilling data and expertise from technical experts

• Conceptualising physical systems and understanding technical concepts

• Implementing and adapting practical solutions that reflect physical systems

• Analysing and communicating the results

The post holder will be encouraged to work independently and as part of a team where appropriate. They will make recommendations, propose solutions to technical challenges, and suggest improvements to our products and services and how they are delivered. There is an opportunity to contribute to ongoing business development through effective model development, transparent documentation, and product innovation.

Contributions to business proposals, research reports, presentations, and meetings with customers can also be expected.

Required Experience and Skills

Qualifications

A 1st or 2:1 degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics, computing or scientific subject (and preferably qualified at the Masters level).

Experience

Graduates and early career professionals. Applications from more experienced individuals will be welcomed.

Skills & knowledge

• Ability to represent and model physical systems, conceiving of representations independently or through discussion with technical experts;

• Proficiency in, and demonstrated application of, at least one programming language (e.g. R, Python);

• Transferrable programming skills including problem decomposition, the ability to implement innovative solutions and troubleshooting errors (debugging);

• Ability to effectively document and communicate coding approaches to colleagues, collaborators and clients;

• Excellent numerical and data handling skills. Proficiency in, and demonstrated application of MS Excel techniques;

• Good organisational skills, including time management. The ability to work across simultaneous tasks, effectively coordinating and prioritising work with project teams;

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills. A high standard of presentation and report writing.

The following would also be of benefit:

• Familiarity with spatial mapping software e.g. GIS.

• Experience of best practice in software engineering principles.

• Knowledge of, and a passion for, the UK railway network and its operations.

• Knowledge of, and a passion for, improving air quality and addressing climate change.

Attributes

As an owner-led organisation, with a staff made up primarily of scientists committed to tackling Air Quality and Climate Change, Aether has developed a very strong culture of staff well-being, individual empowerment, and a strong sense of doing what’s right for all stakeholders. The right candidate for this role will need to exhibit:

• Alignment with, and constant consideration of, the goals and culture of the organisation, acting as a role model to the entire organisation.

• An understanding of the specific nuances of a small and dynamic organisation and a willingness to be hands-on to get things done.

Working at Aether

Aether is committed to bringing the best technical knowledge, data management and advisory services to enable our clients to make good decisions. We have a strong company ethos, and we have built long-term relationships with our clients and a strong forward pipeline of projects. We pride ourselves on being seen by staff as a positive place to work, and we are committed to maintaining our supportive, collaborative, and positive working environment while delivering great value to our clients.

We have a flexible work model with staff located across the UK, with a main office in Oxford as well as a presence in Europe. Our flexible model aims to support a work-life blend that meets the career aspirations of our staff and the needs of our clients. 

Aether is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of the business, and is a Disability Confident Employer. As members of the scheme, Aether will ensure that any applicant who has a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010, is eligible to request that their application be considered for a guaranteed interview for any role, providing the applicant meets the essential role criteria set out in the job description. Please contact recruit@aether-uk.com for further information and to discuss any adjustments that might be needed regarding your application.

Remuneration & Benefits

The guided salary for this role is from £27.5k, and potentially up to £39K, depending on the individual’s skills and experience, with a performance-related bonus and a benefits package that includes:

• Positive company culture focused on happy, motivated, and valued employees.

• Regular team building events and conservation days.

• Company pension contribution set at 8% of salary.

• Flexible approach to working and hybrid working options.

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.

• 32 days’ holiday per calendar year (bank holidays included) with 3 days’ additional fully paid leave between Christmas and New Year. Additional leave with length of service.

• Professional training fund of up to £1,000 per year per person.

• Bike to work scheme.

Application

To apply for this position, please email your CV and a covering letter to recruit@aether-uk.com, clearly stating “Rail Modeller” in the email subject.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.