Lead Simulation and Emulation Development Engineer

Wise Technical is seeking an experienced Lead Simulation and Emulation Development Engineer to lead the design, architecture and delivery of emulation models supporting the development, testing and commissioning of automated baggage handling systems (BHS). This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role responsible for setting the standards, structure and quality of our simulation and emulation development, while directly architecting and building large-scale emulation models from scratch using Emulate3D.

The successful candidate will own the technical delivery of emulation models across the project lifecycle - from concept and control system validation, through to virtual commissioning and PLC software testing - ensuring emulation models accurately represent the mechanical, controls and operational behaviour of baggage handling systems. They will provide technical leadership to the wider simulation and emulation function, working closely with the LLC Product Manager on day-to-day technical direction and reporting into the LLC Solutions Senior Manager for line management matters.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Lead the architecture and design of large-scale emulation models for baggage handling systems, built from the ground up in Emulate3D.

• Define modelling standards, structure, naming conventions and best practice for the simulation and emulation function, and ensure consistent application across projects.

• Provide technical direction and mentorship to simulation/emulation engineers, reviewing models for accuracy, performance and maintainability.

• Act as the senior technical point of contact for simulation and emulation matters, working closely with the LLC Product Manager to align model development with product and project priorities.

Emulation & Model Development

• Design and build 3D emulation models of conveyor systems, sortation equipment, diverters, screening machines and associated material handling equipment using Emulate3D.

• Develop accurate kinematic and behavioural logic for equipment models, replicating real-world mechanical operation, sensor behaviour and fault conditions.

• Build and configure Emulate3D control system connections (e.g. PLC I/O mapping, OPC, Emulate3D Controls Interface) to enable virtual commissioning against real PLC code.

• Develop bag-flow and induction logic within emulation models to represent bag tracking, singulation, sortation and screening behaviour for system-level testing.

• Support virtual commissioning of PLC applications by validating control logic against emulation models prior to site deployment.

• Develop and maintain reusable model libraries and component templates to improve efficiency and consistency across projects.

• Configure and run throughput and performance simulations to support system design validation and capacity planning.

Project & Delivery Management

• Produce and maintain model design documentation, including model scope, assumptions, data sources and validation records.

• Plan and lead model-based testing activities, including software FAT support and control system validation against emulation models.

• Work with project engineering, PLC development and mechanical design teams to ensure emulation models reflect the latest system design.

• Identify technical risks and modelling constraints early, working with the LLC Product Manager and Senior Manager to mitigate delivery risk.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Line-manage and/or technically lead junior and mid-level simulation/emulation engineers, supporting their development and performance.

• Liaise with PLC development, mechanical, electrical and project engineering teams to ensure coordinated system delivery.

• Represent Wise Technical in technical discussions with clients, integrators and equipment suppliers regarding simulation and virtual commissioning scope

Requirements

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven track record architecting and developing large-scale emulation models from scratch (not just modifying existing model libraries).

• Strong hands-on experience with Emulate3D, including 3D model building, kinematics, control logic and controls interfacing.

• Experience building emulation models for conveyor-based material handling or baggage handling systems.

• Experience connecting emulation models to real-world PLC control systems for virtual commissioning and software testing purposes.

• Solid understanding of industrial control systems and PLC logic, sufficient to interpret and validate control behaviour within an emulation environment.

• Understanding of industrial networking and communications protocols relevant to controls interfacing (e.g. OPC, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, TCP/IP).

• Experience producing model documentation, including scope, assumptions and validation evidence.

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related discipline (or equivalent demonstrable industry experience).

• Ability and willingness to be based at Wise Technical's LHR offices a minimum of 4 days per week.

• Right to work in the UK and eligibility to obtain UK airside/airport security clearance.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Prior experience within the airport baggage handling industry, working with systems from vendors such as BEUMER, Vanderlande, Siemens Logistics, Babcock Airports or similar.

• Experience with hold baggage screening (HBS) system modelling and associated regulatory/operational constraints.

• Working knowledge of PLC development (e.g. Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) to support closer collaboration with the PLC development team.

• Experience with Demo3D scripting in C# or other Emulate3D scripting/automation tools to accelerate model build and configuration.

• Experience with discrete event simulation and throughput/capacity analysis for material handling systems.

• Familiarity with version control and structured lifecycle management for simulation/emulation project files.

• Previous experience in a technical leadership, principal engineer, or team lead capacity.