At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse vehicle dynamics and design transmission and chassis systems using advanced engineering tools.
- Company: Join Ricardo, a leader in propulsion engineering with over 110 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace where every voice matters.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable engineering solutions that benefit communities worldwide.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience with FE analysis tools.
Location: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire – Hybrid
Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We work with customers globally to deliver end-to-end solutions from initial design through to full production.
As a Vehicle Dynamics Analyst your primary role will be to aid the design of transmission and chassis systems by undertaking linear and nonlinear FE analysis using Abaqus and Hyperworks toolsets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Apply theoretical knowledge and engineering techniques to the solution of basic analytical engineering problems
- Build high-fidelity FE models for transmission, suspension, chassis systems using commercial CAE tools based on CAD and other engineering data
- Conduct linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic FE analysis
- Prepare detailed technical presentations for both internal and client project engineering review
- Interface with internal and external clients to deliver updates, design recommendations and analysis results
- Assist with technique and analysis methodology development
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Key Competencies and Experience:
- Sufficient professional experience performing FE analysis
- Experience with the Abaqus and Optistruct analysis toolset for implicit FE analysis
- Experience with Hyperworks or Ansa pre and post processing software
- Experience with at least one commercial CAD package (e.g., Catia, Creo, NX, SolidWorks, etc.)
- Experience performing nonlinear static FE and fatigue analysis
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Advanced experience in static and dynamic FE analysis
- Experience in numerical methods including multi-body dynamic / finite difference methods
You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place. We will encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on.
Your knowledge and desire to bring about change will be invaluable in helping deliver innovative solutions that support communities across the globe in becoming safer and more sustainable.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can. As part of our commitment to engage positively and pro-actively with all our employees and to ensure an inclusive culture, we are recognised as a 'disability confident' employer.
Next steps: Once you have submitted your application a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date.
Contractor - Vehicle Dynamics Analyst employer: Ricardo
At Ricardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration at our Shoreham Technical Centre and Leamington Spa locations. We offer flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your well-being and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in delivering innovative solutions for a safer and sustainable world, while being part of a diverse team that values every voice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contractor - Vehicle Dynamics Analyst
✨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 Ricardo.
✨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 Ricardo love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Ricardo 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 Contractor - Vehicle Dynamics Analyst
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 Ricardo and the Contractor - Vehicle Dynamics Analyst 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 Ricardo
✨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 Ricardo.
✨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 Ricardo.
✨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 Ricardo, making you a more appealing candidate.
