Principal Stress Engineer Lead

Principal Stress Engineer Lead

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) On-site
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead structural analysis for innovative turbomachinery designs and mentor a team of engineers.
  • Company: Join Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, a leader in defence and aerospace.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with a mix of office and lab settings, plus travel opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering, with experience in turbomachinery and team leadership.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for executing the structural analysis process from concept to production, supporting the creation and maintenance of company rules, tools and methods, and leading/mentoring a team of engineers. They will analyse new turbomachinery designs and update current designs. They will ensure that turbomachinery designs meet all requirements with respect to stress, vibration, and lifetime.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead in the preparation of overall analysis plans and schedules for analytical or design analysis projects.
  • Communicate regularly with IPT leads and Program Engineering Managers, as necessary, to meet project requirements.
  • Deliver to the project schedule and customer deliverables for the assigned project.
  • Have significant input in regular round‑table meetings with the Structures Technical Focal Points and other structural engineers on the project.
  • Create structural summary documents regularly for the duration of the project.
  • Provide assistance, guidance, and mentoring to structure engineer grades E1, E2 & E3.
  • Work with the Technical Focal Points and others on the analysis team to follow the appropriate FTT methods and criteria and/or those of the customer.
  • Play a key role in the creation, development and documentation of FTT analysis methods.
  • Conduct stress‑related customer communications for engineering projects.
  • Lead presentation of work in internal design reviews with the Chief Engineer’s Office.
  • Document lessons learned from the project in the structures discipline.
  • Assist design/analysis team by providing analytical calculations and design support.
  • Ensure that the structural design and analysis portion of a project is documented and placed in the Design Analysis Report and in the DAR notebook.
  • Perform self‑checks of work completed prior to Technical Focal Point review.
  • Other job duties as assigned.

Experience And Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a relevant technical degree.
  • 10+ years of applicable work experience, preferably in turbomachinery.
  • 2+ years of team lead/supervisory experience.
  • Must have applied industry stress analysis experience on turbomachinery/combustion hardware.
  • Must have a good understanding of structural analysis methods, procedures, techniques & criteria.
  • Must have a working knowledge of mathematical methods and calculations procedures.
  • Must have a working knowledge of solid mechanics and strength of materials.
  • Must have experience with finite element software like ABAQUS, ANSYS or NASTRAN.
  • Must have good background in troubleshooting typical finite element analysis problems.
  • Must understand and interpret engineering drawings.
  • Skilled at managing compromise and characterising risk to produce balanced design solutions.
  • Working knowledge of gas turbine component structural behaviour and failure modes.
  • CAD experience preferable, NX proficiency advantageous.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Can work with customers to define and document requirements, address technical concerns and provide project status.
  • Ability to make technical presentations internally and to customers.
  • Engineer‑driven culture committed to long‑term technical excellence.

Work Environment:

The work environment will include a combination of office and lab/workshop. Travel will be required from time to time throughout the UK and Europe. Employee will be required to perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.

Renumeration:

Competitive salary and generous benefits included.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Engineering and Information Technology

Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing

Location: Derby, England, United Kingdom

Principal Stress Engineer Lead employer: Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

At Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Senior Draughtsperson, you will not only lead a talented team but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects across the UK and Europe. Our commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the engineering sector.

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Contact Details:

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Stress Engineer Lead

✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

✨Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

✨Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

✨Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions for a Principal Stress Engineer Lead. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Stress Engineer Lead

Structural Analysis
Turbomachinery Design
Team Leadership
Stress Analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Mathematical Methods
Solid Mechanics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions.

✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

✨Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Kratos Defense and Security Solutions love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.