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- Tasks: Analyse and optimise UAV airframes, focusing on lightweight structures and composites.
- Company: Join a dynamic aerospace team dedicated to innovative aircraft development.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and real engineering challenges.
- Why this job: Take ownership of projects and collaborate across disciplines in a small, agile team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering and experience with FEA tools required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about early-stage aerospace programmes and UAV technology.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Structural Analysis Engineer to work on advanced UAV airframes, focusing on lightweight structures, composites, and full-airframe structural integrity. This role is ideal for someone who wants real ownership, works comfortably across disciplines, and enjoys early-stage aircraft development.
What you’ll work on:
- Define and analyse airframe load cases (manoeuvre, gust, landing, propulsion, inertial)
- Perform global and local FEA on wings, centre bodies, booms, mounts, and joints
- Conduct stress, deflection, stiffness, and buckling analysis
- Carry out composite laminate and sandwich panel analysis
- Evaluate margins of safety and reserve factors
- Support fatigue, durability, and damage tolerance assessments (concept–preliminary level)
- Perform modal and vibration analysis to avoid resonance issues
- Support thermal–structural effects from motors, batteries, and environment
- Work closely with design, aero, performance, and systems teams to influence structure early
- Support structural optimisation for weight vs strength
- Contribute to test correlation and design iteration
- Produce clear, review-ready analysis documentation
What we’re looking for:
- Degree in Aerospace / Mechanical Engineering (or similar)
- Strong fundamentals in aircraft structures
- Hands-on experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, etc.)
- Understanding of composite structures and lightweight design
- Comfortable working with CAD geometry and evolving designs
- Able to think beyond tools and apply engineering judgement
Nice to have:
- Experience with UAVs or small aircraft
- Exposure to composites manufacturing or testing
- Experience working on early-stage aerospace programmes
Why join us:
- High technical ownership
- Work across the full design lifecycle
- Small, sharp engineering team
- Real engineering problems, not siloed tasks
It is mandatory for the candidate to hold a valid UK visa for this role. We do not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Structural Analysis/Dynamics Engineer (Contract) in Milton Keynes employer: Defy Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Defy Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Structural Analysis/Dynamics Engineer (Contract) in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the aerospace field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your FEA projects and any relevant analysis work. This visual evidence of your expertise can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of composite structures and lightweight design. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these concepts in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Structural Analysis/Dynamics Engineer (Contract) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with lightweight structures and composites. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or tools you've used!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re excited about working on UAV airframes and how your background in structural analysis makes you a perfect fit. Keep it engaging and personal!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: We love seeing hands-on experience! Mention any FEA tools you’ve worked with, like ANSYS or Abaqus, and give examples of how you’ve applied them in real-world scenarios. This will help us understand your technical prowess.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Defy Aerospace
✨Know Your Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of aircraft structures and FEA tools like ANSYS or Abaqus. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in relation to lightweight design and composite materials.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about specific challenges you've faced in structural analysis and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to think beyond just the tools and apply engineering judgement to real-world problems.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration. Share examples of how you've influenced design decisions early in the process.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions on load cases, stress analysis, and modal analysis. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely, as you'll need to produce review-ready documentation that others can understand.
