At a Glance
- 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, work on real engineering challenges, and enjoy a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about early-stage aerospace programmes and UAV technology.
- Why this job: Take ownership of projects and influence design from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering and experience with FEA tools required.
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 - UAV (6-month Contract) employer: Defy Aerospace
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Structural Analysis Engineer, where you'll have the opportunity to take on significant technical ownership while working on cutting-edge UAV airframes. Our collaborative work culture fosters cross-disciplinary engagement, allowing you to tackle real engineering challenges and contribute to the full design lifecycle. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer a stimulating environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving in the exciting field of aerospace engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Structural Analysis Engineer - UAV (6-month Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace field, especially those who have experience with UAVs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your FEA projects and any relevant analysis you've done. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you’re interested in. Express your enthusiasm for their work in UAVs and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and helps us get to know you better.
We think you need these skills to ace Structural Analysis Engineer - UAV (6-month Contract)
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 UAVs and structural analysis. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your ownership and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:We’re keen on seeing your hands-on experience with FEA tools like ANSYS or Abaqus. Make sure to mention any relevant software skills and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.
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 this exciting opportunity.
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 specific projects where you've applied these principles, as this will show your hands-on experience and understanding of the role.
✨FEA Tools Familiarity
Make sure you’re comfortable discussing FEA tools like ANSYS or Abaqus. Prepare to explain how you've used these tools in past projects, focusing on the outcomes and any challenges you faced. This will demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines. Highlight your ability to influence design early on and how you’ve contributed to team success in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions on load cases, stress analysis, and structural optimisation. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will showcase your engineering judgement and communication skills, which are crucial for this position.
