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- Tasks: Lead FEM modelling and digital innovation for next-gen aircraft wings.
- Company: Join Airbus, a leader in aerospace engineering and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a supportive recruitment experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of aviation technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace Engineering and 5-10 years' FEM experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 52 ÂŁ per hour.
Location: Filton (60% onsite)
Hours: 35 per week, flexible across 4.5 days (between 7am-7pm)
Clearance: BPSS + Airbus Clearance
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Join Airbus and Shape the Future of Wing Engineering. This role sits at the heart of the Wing Engineering community, contributing to cutting‑edge FE simulation, digital transformation, and the development of future wing technologies. You will join a highly motivated, forward‑thinking team responsible for delivering FE loads strategy, advanced digital analysis, and structural enablement across all major Airbus wing programmes. If you thrive on solving complex engineering challenges and want to influence next‑generation aircraft design, this is an excellent opportunity to make an impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Finite Element & Structural Analysis: Developing and delivering GFEM and DFEM models across multiple programmes. Running, interpreting, and validating FE and stress analysis data. Proposing optimised design solutions focusing on weight, cost, performance, and manufacturability.
- Digital Enablement & Innovation: Driving new modelling approaches and digital tools to support Wing structure enablement. Supporting the development and deployment of innovative FE and digital projects within the Airbus DDMS framework. Challenging ways of working and championing continuous improvement aligned with the future Wing strategy.
- Technical Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration: Acting as a focal point for FE and digital activities at Wing level, helping prioritise tasks and identify risks. Collaborating with engineering partners across Airbus' transnational teams. Ensuring compliance with regulations, design principles, and airworthiness requirements.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for an experienced engineer with the technical depth and collaborative mindset to succeed in a fast‑paced environment.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
- 5-10 years’ experience in FEM and structural analysis.
- Strong working knowledge of Hyperworks, Hypermesh, MSC Nastran, and FE idealisation of wing components.
- Understanding of Airbus policies, airworthiness requirements, and engineering processes.
- Confident communicator with strong problem‑solving skills and a positive, proactive approach.
Desirable:
- FEM signature delegation.
- ISAMI experience.
- Familiarity with UNIX‑based systems.
- Previous Airbus wing experience or Airbus FEM approval level.
Contract & Pay:
Umbrella: £46.00 per hour (non‑approver) - £52.00 per hour (approver). PAYE: £38.88 per hour.
Why Join Through Guidant Global?
At Guidant Global, we’re passionate about creating an inclusive environment where people feel valued, respected, and empowered. As your recruitment partner, we’re committed to supporting you throughout the process—from CV submission to onboarding at Airbus. You’ll enjoy:
- A transparent and supportive recruitment experience.
- Access to exciting engineering opportunities across Airbus.
- A dedicated recruitment partner guiding you every step of the way.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re excited by advanced FEM, digital engineering, and contributing to future‑focused aerospace innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the Wing of the Future.
Lead FEM Engineer in Bristol employer: Airbus
Contact Detail:
Airbus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead FEM Engineer in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current Airbus employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with FEM and structural analysis. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges and contributed to digital innovation in past roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around Hyperworks, Hypermesh, and MSC Nastran. Be ready to discuss your approach to FE modelling and how you’ve driven digital transformation in previous projects. Confidence in your expertise can really set you apart!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at Airbus. Plus, it shows you're serious about the opportunity and keen to be part of their innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead FEM Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Lead FEM & Digital Engineer role. Highlight your experience in FEM, structural analysis, and any relevant tools like Hyperworks and MSC Nastran.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about aerospace engineering and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your technical expertise. Mention your familiarity with digital tools and modelling approaches, as well as any experience with Airbus policies and airworthiness requirements.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus
✨Know Your FEM Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Finite Element Modelling and structural analysis. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've developed GFEM and DFEM models, and how you approached challenges in those projects.
✨Showcase Your Digital Innovation Skills
Since this role involves driving new modelling approaches and digital tools, think of examples where you've implemented innovative solutions. Be ready to explain how these innovations improved processes or outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
As a Lead Engineer, you'll need to collaborate with various stakeholders. Practice articulating complex engineering concepts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate your communication skills and how you’ve successfully worked with cross-functional teams.
✨Understand Airbus Policies and Airworthiness
Familiarise yourself with Airbus's policies and airworthiness requirements. During the interview, reference your understanding of these regulations and how they influence your engineering decisions. This shows that you're not just technically skilled but also aware of the broader context in which you’ll be working.
