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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 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 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 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 passionate about structural analysis and how you can contribute to our UAV airframe projects. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be specific about your hands-on experience with FEA tools like ANSYS or Abaqus. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so highlight any relevant software skills and engineering judgement you possess.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Defy Aerospace
✨Know Your Structures
Brush up on your knowledge of aircraft structures, especially lightweight designs and composites. Be ready to discuss how you would approach defining and analysing airframe load cases, as this will show your understanding of the role's core responsibilities.
✨Familiarise with FEA Tools
Make sure you're comfortable with FEA tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN. Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with these tools and how you've applied them in past projects, particularly in stress and buckling analysis.
✨Collaborate Across Disciplines
Since the role involves working closely with design, aero, and performance teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines. Highlight your ability to influence structural decisions early in the design process.
✨Prepare Clear Documentation Examples
Be ready to showcase your ability to produce clear, review-ready analysis documentation. Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your attention to detail and clarity in communication, as this is crucial for the role.
