At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct stress analysis and advise on structural engineering in defence projects.
- Company: Leading defence technology firm with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Flexible working, pension scheme, mental health support, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive environment for learning.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in defence product development.
- Qualifications: Degree in mechanical engineering or related field; experience with Finite Element Analysis.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Role overview: Stress Engineer in defence product development across land, naval, seeker and space domains.
You will conduct stress analysis, communicate results, and advise on all aspects of structural engineering within multidisciplinary project teams across the UK.
Responsibilities
- Analyse and assess mechanical designs for strength, durability, performance and safety against regulatory and customer requirements using finite element techniques and classical hand calculations.
- Support the selection of manufacturing technologies and aerospace materials based on material properties and the mechanical fit, form and function of the product.
- Take ownership of all stress related activities for particular projects through all stages of the product lifecycle from concept to production and beyond.
- Technical stress authority and signatory for document approval.
- Develop and maintain common processes and procedures relating to stress engineering activities.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislative, regulatory and contractual requirements (based on recognised military/civil standards).
- Line of Business lead and point of contact for projects, advising on all aspects of stress and structural dynamics throughout the product lifecycle.
- Liaise with other UK sites to maintain a consistent approach to stress engineering.
- Provide support and guidance to junior members of the Mechanical Team.
- What we need from you
- Degree qualification in mechanical engineering, materials science or aeronautical engineering.
- Proven experience with Finite Element Analysis software tools (preferably Siemens NX/Nastran) and techniques.
- Experience applying classical hand calculation techniques for static and dynamic loading conditions, fatigue and fracture assessment (Land, Naval or Airborne equipment).
- Experience with environmental test methods for design verification and knowledge of design certification for land-based and airborne equipment.
- Strong communication and ability to influence internal and external customers.
- Problem solving with a practical, pragmatic approach.
- Ability to take ownership of work packages, planning and scheduling.
- Chartered Engineer status with full membership of a relevant engineering institution (e. g., IMech E) is preferred.
- Experience in electronics packaging and/or aerospace equipment design, development and test is advantageous.
- Experience with manufacturing and joining techniques and engineering material properties.
- Experience in Thermal Analysis techniques and tool sets (Ice Pak, Siemens NX).
- Understanding of the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
- Knowledge and experience to progress and become an approved signatory for airworthiness/structural integrity and a named individual on the UK MAA DAOS scheme.
Note
This is not an exhaustive list; we welcome candidates with varying levels of experience. The most important trait is a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Working pattern and location
Onsite regularly, up to 5 days a week (37 hours standard work week; overtime if approved by project and employee). Hybrid working is available when project work allows.
Basildon is the primary location option, with Southampton or Bristol also possible.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
An additional range of National Security Vetting (NSV) and ITAR may apply, potentially including eligibility for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
For more information, please visit the applicable guidelines.
Benefits
- Time to Recharge: up to 12 additional flexi-days per year.
- Secure your Future: Pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks promoting inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
- Refer a friend: Financial referral rewards.
- Tailored Perks: Flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech and lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.
- Flexible working: Part-time possibilities may be available; discuss with us what might be possible.
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Principal Mechanical Stress Engineer in Bristol employer: Leonardo
Leonardo is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee experience and inclusion, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of Edinburgh. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive mental health support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The company fosters growth opportunities, ensuring that every team member can develop their skills and advance their careers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Stress Engineer in Bristol
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Leonardo.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Leonardo love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Leonardo and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Stress Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Leonardo and the Principal Mechanical Stress Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Leonardo.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Leonardo.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Leonardo, making you a more appealing candidate.