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- Tasks: Lead complex engineering challenges using FEA and advanced mathematical modelling.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge optical technology company in Oxfordshire, known for innovation and expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for internal R&D and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology, solving real-world problems in optics and ophthalmic systems.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science; experience in FEA and mathematical modelling required.
- Other info: Experience in optics is a plus, but not mandatory; strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An Optical Technology company in Oxfordshire is looking for an experienced FEA Engineer to join their growing team. This is a rare opportunity to take a lead role in solving complex engineering challenges—applying FEA and advanced mathematical modelling to cutting-edge work in optics and ophthalmic systems.
About the company: This organisation brings deep expertise in both optics and ophthalmics to tackle the most technically ambitious product development challenges in their field. They support clients across the full development lifecycle, from early research to production, working with start-ups, technical consultancies, and global tech brands. Project areas include lens systems, ophthalmic devices, AR/VR hardware, machine vision, and advanced consumer technologies. They’re small, focused, and well-regarded—trusted by some of the biggest names in tech for their deep specialist knowledge. Alongside client work, they also invest significantly in internal R&D, driving innovation in next-gen technology. And above all, they are an exceptional place to work.
The role: The company are growing and looking for an experienced Engineer or scientist with a strong background in Finite Element Analysis and Mathematical Modelling. The ideal candidate will have experience in a design environment using their modelling skills and knowledge of materials and structures to participate in the development of products and processes. A critical element of the company's products is based on thin elastomer films so the candidate would have experience of modelling elastomers both from a material and structural point of view. Experience in optics would be an advantage but is not required. The FEA principal engineer is an integral part of the design processes and participates in customer presentations and supplier meetings. The design challenges at the company are at the cutting edge of technical capability and the successful candidate will find their knowledge and inventiveness tested to the full.
Key Responsibilities:
- General support of all design and development activities using mathematical modelling including:
- Mathematical analysis and modelling of elastomeric materials
- Analysis and modelling of material data from experiments
- Application modelling of fluid lens systems using mathematical tools such as Matlab and Excel
- Modelling of fluid lens elements and assemblies using FEA tools (the company currently uses Ansys and Cosmos)
- Modelling of manufacturing processes such as membrane stretch in support of process development
- Edition of reports and presentation of results and conclusions in internal design meetings
- Presentation of results and conclusions to customers and at board level
- Ownership of FEA modelling tools including model backup, liaison with suppliers and tool version management
- Management of outsourced development and outsourced modelling using tools or facilities not available at the company
To be considered for the role of Principal FEA Engineer you need the following:
- A Degree in applicable domain such as Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science.
- Solid industrial background in an engineering design environment or in an engineering consultancy.
- Expert level usage of at least one industry standard FEA programme such as Abaqus, Ansys, Comsol or Nastran.
- Good level of experience using general mathematical modelling tools such as Matlab and Excel.
- Good communication skills in reports and presentations and in customer facing situations.
- Experience in mathematical modelling of elastomeric or polymer materials.
- Some experience in optics would be advantageous but is not required.
Principal FEA Engineer employer: Scientis Search Ltd
Contact Detail:
Scientis Search Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal FEA Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific FEA tools mentioned in the job description, such as Ansys and Cosmos. Having hands-on experience or even completing relevant online courses can give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of elastomeric materials and their modelling. Being able to discuss your understanding of these materials and how they apply to the role will demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your communication skills by practising how you would present complex engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This is crucial as the role involves customer presentations and board-level discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the optics and ophthalmics field. Engaging with industry experts can provide insights into current trends and challenges, which you can reference in your conversations during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal FEA Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Finite Element Analysis and Mathematical Modelling. Include specific projects where you've applied these skills, especially in relation to elastomeric materials or optics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with their focus on optics and ophthalmics, and provide examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly list your proficiency in industry-standard FEA programmes like Ansys or Abaqus, as well as your experience with mathematical tools such as Matlab and Excel. This will demonstrate your technical capabilities to the hiring team.
Prepare for Interviews: If you get an interview, be ready to discuss your previous work in detail. Prepare to explain your approach to modelling elastomers and any relevant projects that showcase your problem-solving skills in engineering design.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scientis Search Ltd
✨Showcase Your FEA Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with Finite Element Analysis tools like Ansys or Abaqus. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully applied these skills, especially in relation to elastomeric materials.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves tackling complex engineering challenges, be ready to share examples of how you've approached difficult problems in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you may need to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences during the interview.
✨Research the Company
Familiarise yourself with the company's projects and their focus on optics and ophthalmics. Understanding their work will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
