Senior Structural Engineer

About the role

This permanent Senior Structural Engineer position is based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, supporting a leading defence and aerospace client. You will develop high‑fidelity finite‑element models for metallic, composite and hybrid structures and will need to obtain high‑level MOD security clearance.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and validate detailed finite‑element models for metallic, composite and hybrid structures.
• 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 meeting MoD and customer standards.
• Translate analysis results into manufacturing instructions and inspection plans.
• Lead knowledge‑transfer workshops and maintain model libraries.
• Drive process improvements through new software, material databases and automation scripts.
• Represent the company at design reviews, client briefings and external audits.

Required profile

• BEng in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with structural analysis of metallic and composite parts.
• Proficiency in MSC Nastran and pre‑processors such as Patran, Apex, Simcenter or ANSA.
• Ability to conduct hand‑based stress calculations and fatigue life predictions.
• Experience modelling aluminium, titanium, steel and high‑strength alloys for light‑ and heavy‑weight systems.
• Knowledge of composite lay‑up, ply‑by‑ply modelling and defect effects.
• Strong written communication for clear strength‑summary reports and risk assessments.
• Comfort working collaboratively with design, manufacturing, testing and quality teams.

Required skills

• MSC Nastran
• Patran, Apex, Simcenter, ANSA
• Finite‑element analysis (static, dynamic, linear, non‑linear)
• Damage‑tolerance and fatigue assessment
• Python scripting and batch processing
• High‑performance computing for analysis automation

What we offer

• Competitive salary up to £51,000 per year.
• Permanent contract with opportunities for professional growth.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge defence and aerospace projects.
• Knowledge‑transfer workshops and continuous process improvement initiatives.