Principal Engineer – Head of Capability: Structural Analysis - Element Digital Engineering

Join to apply for the Principal Engineer – Head of Capability: Structural Analysis role at Element Materials Technology.

Overview

Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering simulation, design, and consultancy support to clients across many industries – including Nuclear, Aerospace, Energy and Defence – in the UK and internationally. Our technical work covers everything from using experienced judgement, simple hand calculations and static FEA, through to detailed 3D dynamic and shock analyses. We are always mindful of the need to use the appropriate level of analysis fidelity and a suitable approach so that we produce practical solutions for our clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of our in-house structural analysis capability, including coaching and development of more junior staff members.
• Develop and maintain a capability roadmap (people, tools, techniques) to ensure our capability offering continually develops and remains market competitive in line with industry developments.
• Support the development and implementation of technical standards, policies, and frameworks, ensuring consistency and quality across all engineering outputs in this field.
• Support and lead business development activities with a range of new and existing clients, including sourcing leads, generating proposals and sharing Element work through conferences and publications.
• Provide support to and oversight of proposals/bids to ensure the most effective and efficient methodology is deployed.
• Support/lead top level technical discussions with customers and partners on specific subject matter topics.
• Carry out a range of technical projects and analyses to support client needs and deliverables.
• Perform document reviews and approvals as required.
• Integrate and engage with our positive team culture with adherence to Element’s core values – care, integrity, and progress.

Skills / Qualifications

We are looking for people who:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree (grade 2.1 or above), Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant engineering, science or applied mathematics discipline. Preferably with experience in the application of structural analysis from first principles or in accordance with relevant standards.
• A thorough understanding of engineering material behaviour, thermo‑mechanical fatigue, fracture and crack propagation, and the modelling of contact behaviour.
• A track record on defining and delivering projects involving structural design, stress analysis, structural durability, and fracture mechanics.
• Significant knowledge of widely used analysis tools, including ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or Calculix with a demonstrable ability to extend their capability using user functions where necessary.
• Ideally be proficient in the use of programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, VBA, C# or C/C++.
• Familiarity with relevant structural integrity assessment and design codes.
• Confidence to lead the development and growth of our structural capability, working effectively as part of a technically innovative and multi‑disciplinary team.
• Experience in technically supporting the development of junior team members and other leaders.
• As a Principal Engineer you will mentor, coach and support others; developing their technical understanding and competence.
• Motivation to provide exceptional customer interaction and contribute to the wider business development of the company.
• Ideally able to demonstrate a strong business network within highly regulated industries.
• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) status or be actively working towards chartership status.

Benefits

• Allocated budget for ongoing training and development.
• Institution Fees paid for.
• Smarter Working.
• Bonus Plan.
• 25 Days annual leave + 8 days Bank Holidays.
• Life Insurance.
• Free Refreshments & Snacks.

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’. When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access. While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development. Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”. All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work‑related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.