Lead Engineer - Structures

The Lead Engineer - Structures is responsible for leading and developing the team, providing people and technical leadership to ensure the effective delivery of Structures activities and engineering projects. The role sets team direction and priorities, coordinates workload and resources, and ensures the team has the capability and support needed to meet business and project requirements. It promotes a positive, collaborative and high-performing environment, supporting the performance, engagement and professional development of team members. Alongside these responsibilities, the Lead Engineer maintains hands-on involvement in Structures and leads assigned technical activities supporting the development and optimisation of Ansible Motion simulators, delivering solutions that meet customer, safety, performance and quality requirements. This role works with the Chief Designer and Technical Director to support project delivery, develop engineering capability and drive continuous improvement across the function of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Design: Lead the structural analysis of simulator subsystems, including cabins, access systems and motion stages. Lead assigned structural analysis projects and technical workstreams from concept through to delivery, ensuring designs meet agreed requirements, quality standards and project timelines. Develop suitable load cases, working with other groups within Ansible Motion, to use in the analysis of the simulator. Analyse, optimise and advise on the strength, stiffness and mass of mechanical and CFRP components within the simulator, whilst ensuring components are fit for purpose. Formally report on the results of analysis runs and review and sign off reports from the wider team. Join and contribute to design reviews, advising on component and material optimisation. Develop and maintain suitable methodology, internal documentation and processes within the STRC team. Work and manage external suppliers of CAE tools, whilst developing the team’s technical skills and abilities to bring this work in house where possible.
• Testing & Validation: Advise Mechanical Design on the development of testing procedures and provide technical guidance to support effective validation and commissioning activities. Review the results of design testing, validation and commissioning activities to ensure designs meet requirements. Support the investigation and resolution of design issues identified during build, testing and operation using CAE tools.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and develop the STRC team, providing clear direction, priorities and support to deliver team objectives. Coordinate team workload and resources, taking account of capability, project requirements and business priorities. Set and monitor team objectives, addressing delivery, performance or capability issues where required. Manage individual and team performance, recognising achievement and addressing concerns appropriately. Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team environment, promoting accountability and continuous improvement. Support the development and progression of team members, using the strengths and expertise of the team’s engineers and others to encourage coaching, mentoring, knowledge sharing and wider engineering capability. Work closely with the Mechanical Design and Project Delivery team to align team priorities, resource allocation and technical activities, ensuring effective delivery across STRC.
• Technical Guidance & Collaboration: Provide technical direction and support to engineers, encouraging effective problem-solving and the sharing of knowledge across the team. Ensure clear ownership of technical activities and decisions, balancing hands-on engineering requirements with team management and delivery responsibilities. Work closely with the Chief Designer and Technical Director on team capability, resource requirements and the ongoing development of the STRC function. Collaborate with other departments across Ansible Motion and with external suppliers to resolve technical issues and support effective project delivery. Support the Chief Designer and Technical Director with technical activities, design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives as required.
• Planning & Other Duties: Plan and prioritise engineering activities in line with project requirements, team capacity and business objectives. Monitor delivery against agreed timescales and quality standards, identifying risks and taking appropriate action to address issues. Identify opportunities to improve design processes, team effectiveness and engineering practices. Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential:

• Relevant engineering qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Substantial structural analysis experience, including problem-solving and project delivery.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks FEA tools.
• Experience leading or managing an engineering team, including workload planning, setting priorities and monitoring performance.
• Experience managing individual performance, developing team capability and supporting the professional growth of engineers.
• Experience coordinating engineering activities and resources to meet project requirements and delivery timescales.
• Strong communication, organisational, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Desirable:

• Experience in simulator design, automotive, motorsport or high-precision engineering.
• Experience with other CAE tools, for example the Ansys suite of products.
• Experience managing competing project priorities and resource constraints in a technical environment.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, such as machining, welding, fabrication or carbon fibre layup.
• Experience in testing, commissioning and continuous improvement of engineering processes.
• Experience working with senior technical specialists to resolve complex engineering challenges and maintain design standards.
• Experience with managing contract engineer resources.

Person Specification:

• Confident and supportive people leader who is able to provide clear direction, set expectations and create a positive team environment.
• Able to motivate, engage and develop individuals with different levels of experience and capability.
• Able to provide constructive feedback and address performance or capability issues appropriately and fairly.
• Takes ownership and accountability for the performance and development of the team, as well as their own responsibilities.
• Able to balance the needs of individuals with the requirements of the wider team and business.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with engineers, senior technical leaders and wider stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to build effective working relationships across a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across the team and their own workload.
• Effective problem solver who takes a pragmatic and considered approach to technical and people-related challenges.
• Adaptable and able to respond positively to changing priorities and project requirements.
• Demonstrates accountability, integrity and professionalism in their approach to leading others.
• Committed to continuous improvement, both in their own development and in the capability and effectiveness of the team.