R0001359 Wind Energy Simulation Engineer (Open)

We're Nadara. We work harmoniously with the power of nature and the communities around us to power lifetimes to come. We call our approach 'living energy'.

We don't just produce renewable energy, we live it - recognising our relationship with the people touched by our business and supporting social, educational, cultural, and environmental initiatives that contribute to the development of the communities we work alongside.

Discover more about our business here: https://nadara.com/about/

Nadara is an innovative place to work. We work in a stimulating and challenging environment, where every day we explore the unknown with curiosity, make decisions with quality and take action and deliver with courage. For us diversity is a real value, and we encourage in connecting different perspectives with respect.

Discover more about our culture and approach here: https://nadara.com/living-the-company/

Job Description Summary:
The Wind Energy Simulation Engineer will serve as a technical authority, delivering advanced numerical simulation services to support Nadara's Wind Energy Portfolio. Collaborating closely with the Analytics, Innovation, Research and Development (AIRD) Department, you will contribute to wind and site analysis and provide critical aeroelastic modelling support for our technical lifetime extension pipeline. Your work will underpin strategic initiatives including asset life extension, performance optimization, acquisition assessments, and root cause analysis (RCA). With Nadara's ambitious targets for turbine longevity and operational efficiency, this role plays a pivotal part in generating the technical insights necessary for informed decision-making across the organization.

Job Description:

Key responsibilities and Authorities

• Clean, process, and apply long-term adjustments to measurement data from sources such as anemometer masts, LiDARs, wind turbine generator (WTG) control systems (SCADA), and virtual datasets (e.g., reanalysis data) to support on-site climatic condition assessments
• Conduct site mapping using GIS tools to prepare for wind flow modelling via computational fluid dynamics (CFD), including extraction and analysis of site orography, surface roughness, and forestry, with environmental modifications as needed
• Set up and execute CFD simulations to model site-specific flow conditions, extracting directional wind characteristics such as speed, shear, turbulence intensity, and inflow angles, while accounting for local terrain and environmental factors
• Post-process CFD outputs in conjunction with measurement data to evaluate WTG locations in accordance with IEC 61400 standards, including assessments of wake deficits, wake-induced turbulence, extreme wind events, and long-term site air density. These results will inform aeroelastic modelling for estimating remaining useful life (RUL) as part of Nadara's lifetime extension and performance enhancement initiatives
• Perform energy yield assessments (EYAs) using CFD and measurement data to quantify performance improvements following aerodynamic upgrades. Validate modelling outputs against historical production data and estimate median (P50) energy production for target sites
• Document, store, and report all outputs from wind condition assessments in line with internal quality assurance (QA) protocols, ensuring accessibility for internal teams and third-parties
• Provide aerodynamic support by developing CFD models of multiple aerofoil sections across WTG blades, extracting aerodynamic polars for use in aeroelastic modelling. Apply corrections for leading edge erosion (LEE), blade soiling, and blade-mounted components, while contributing to the advancement of in-house modelling capabilities
• Support aeroelastic modelling efforts by participating in reverse engineering of major WTG components and validating models using SCADA data. Direct contributions to aeroelastic model development will be expected
• Contribute to workflow optimization and tool development to enhance internal processes related to wind resource and aerodynamic analysis. Participate actively in Nadara's broader innovation initiatives

Technical and cross-competences

Technical (mandatory):

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills within complex technical environments
• Proven ability to produce and critically review high-quality technical reports within defined deadlines

Technical (desirable):

• Solid understanding of methodologies and tools used in wind and site analysis
• Working knowledge of IEC 61400-1 and the broader IEC 61400 series standards
• Hands-on experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for external and atmospheric flows, including proficiency in OpenFOAM and WindSim
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting pre- and post-construction energy yield assessments for wind farms
• Proficiency in processing and interpreting SCADA data
• Foundational knowledge of atmospheric physics
• Experience in developing wind turbine aeroelastic models for fatigue lifetime assessment using tools such as Bladed or OpenFAST
• Competence in performing loads analysis for wind turbines
• Familiarity with Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory, methodologies, and software packages
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) theory, methodologies, and software packages
• Understanding of statistical concepts and analytical approaches
• Experience coding in C++ and working within Linux environments

Cross (mandatory):

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced capabilities in Word and Excel
• Skilled in programming with Python or comparable languages
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects concurrently

Cross (desirable):

• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into actionable, data-driven solutions that generate measurable organizational impact
• Experience in database design, management, and optimization
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including hands-on exposure to tools such as QGIS

Managerial skills and behaviours

• Strong project and program management capabilities, complemented by critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring the successful delivery of projects in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and autonomy, combined with adaptability and resilience to manage change, and deal with uncertainty and ambiguity.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including technical teams, business leaders, and external partners, while simplifying complex data for non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate both autonomy in managing projects independently and strong collaboration skills when working with cross- functional teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Able to take the initiative on complex projects and to make decisions that could alter project timelines.
• Recognizes the importance of cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity in a multicultural environment like Nadara, fostering inclusive and respectful collaboration across diverse teams.

Education and Qualifications

• Degree in a STEM discipline or related discipline preferred (e.g., Bachelor's/Master's in Engineering or Physics) but must be a highly-numerate degree.
• Experience: Whilst graduates will be considered, a minimum of 1 year in a wind energy or technical position will be advantageous.
• Desirable: Additional post-graduate qualifications, secondary degrees, or industry-specific training preferred but not required.

Location:
Edinburgh_Ventient
Time Type:
Full time
Worker Subtype:
Regular