Lead Structural Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to join a market‑leading defence and aerospace client on a 12‑month contract based in Ampthill. You will drive the development and validation of high‑fidelity finite‑element models for metallic, composite and hybrid structures.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and validate detailed FE models for metallic, composite and hybrid components.
• Perform static, dynamic, vibrational, thermal and fluid‑structure interaction analyses.
• Carry out damage‑tolerance and fatigue assessments.
• Produce concise strength‑summary reports and risk assessments that meet MoD and customer standards.
• Translate analysis results into manufacturing instructions and inspection plans.
• Lead knowledge‑transfer workshops and maintain model libraries.
• Champion process improvements through new software, material databases and automation scripts.
• Represent the company at design reviews, client briefings and external audits.

Required profile

• BEng (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Aerospace or a related discipline.
• Significant industrial structural‑analysis experience on metallic and composite parts.
• Ability to obtain high‑level MOD security clearance.
• Proven capability to work collaboratively with design, manufacturing, testing and quality teams.

Required skills

• MSC Nastran proficiency.
• Pre‑processors such as Patran, Apex, Simcenter or ANSA.
• Static, dynamic, linear and non‑linear analysis expertise.
• Hand‑based stress calculations and fatigue life prediction.
• Modelling of aluminium, titanium, steel and high‑strength alloys.
• Composite lay‑up, ply‑by‑ply modelling and defect effect analysis.
• Report writing for strength summaries and risk assessments.
• Scripting in Python and use of high‑performance computing.

What we offer

• 12‑month contract (inside IR35).
• Rate of £55‑£66 per hour.
• Opportunity to work with a leading defence and aerospace organisation.
• Professional development and knowledge‑transfer workshops.