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- Tasks: Lead complex engineering challenges using FEA and mathematical modelling in optics.
- Company: Join a well-regarded Optical Technology company in Oxfordshire, known for innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for R&D and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and work with top tech brands.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science; FEA expertise required.
- Other info: Experience in optics is a plus, but not mandatory.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Some problems don’t have ready-made solutions. That’s where you come in. An Optical Technology company in Oxfordshire is looking for an experienced FEA Engineer to join their growing team. This is a rare opportunity to take a lead role in solving complex engineering challenges—applying FEA and advanced mathematical modelling to cutting-edge work in optics and ophthalmic systems.
About the company: This organisation brings deep expertise in both optics and ophthalmics to tackle the most technically ambitious product development challenges in their field. They support clients across the full development lifecycle, from early research to production, working with start-ups, technical consultancies, and global tech brands. Project areas include lens systems, ophthalmic devices, AR/VR hardware, machine vision, and advanced consumer technologies. They’re small, focused, and well-regarded—trusted by some of the biggest names in tech for their deep specialist knowledge. Alongside client work, they also invest significantly in internal R&D, driving innovation in next-gen technology. And above all, they are an exceptional place to work.
The role: The company are growing and looking for an experienced Engineer or scientist with a strong background in Finite Element Analysis and Mathematical Modelling. The ideal candidate will have experience in a design environment using their modelling skills and knowledge of materials and structures to participate in the development of products and processes. A critical element of the company's products is based on thin elastomer films so the candidate would have experience of modelling elastomers both from a material and structural point of view. Experience in optics would be an advantage but is not required. The FEA principal engineer is an integral part of the design processes and participates in customer presentations and supplier meetings. The design challenges at the company are at the cutting edge of technical capability and the successful candidate will find their knowledge and inventiveness tested to the full.
Key Responsibilities:
- General support of all design and development activities using mathematical modelling including:
- Mathematical analysis and modelling of elastomeric materials
- Analysis and modelling of material data from experiments
- Application modelling of fluid lens systems using mathematical tools such as Matlab and Excel
- Modelling of fluid lens elements and assemblies using FEA tools (the company currently uses Ansys and Cosmos)
- Modelling of manufacturing processes such as membrane stretch in support of process development
- Participation in design including ideation, brainstorming, design proposals etc.
- Edition of reports and presentation of results and conclusions in internal design meetings
- Presentation of results and conclusions to customers and at board level
- Ownership of FEA modelling tools including model backup, liaison with suppliers and tool version management
- Management of outsourced development and outsourced modelling using tools or facilities not available at the company
To be considered for the role of Principal FEA Engineer you need the following:
Essential:
- A Degree in applicable domain such as Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science.
- Solid industrial background in an engineering design environment or in an engineering consultancy.
- Expert level usage of at least one industry standard FEA programme such as Abaqus, Ansys, Comsol or Nastran.
- Good level of experience using general mathematical modelling tools such as Matlab and Excel.
- Good communication skills in reports and presentations and in customer facing situations.
Desirable:
- Experience in mathematical modelling of elastomeric or polymer materials
- Good level of experience using general mathematical modelling tools such as Matlab and Excel
- Some experience in optics would be advantageous but is not required.
Principal FEA Engineer employer: Scientis Search Ltd
Contact Detail:
Scientis Search Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal FEA Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific FEA tools mentioned in the job description, such as Ansys and Cosmos. Having hands-on experience or even a project to discuss can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of elastomeric materials and their modelling. Being able to demonstrate your understanding of these materials will show that you're ready to tackle the unique challenges this role presents.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in customer-facing situations. This role involves presenting results to clients and stakeholders, so showcasing your communication skills will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the latest trends in optics and ophthalmics. Showing that you're not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the field can make a strong impression during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal FEA Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Finite Element Analysis and mathematical modelling. Include specific projects where you've applied these skills, especially if they relate to elastomeric materials or optics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for engineering and your problem-solving abilities. Mention how your background aligns with the company's focus on optics and ophthalmic systems, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their innovative projects.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your expertise in industry-standard FEA programmes like Ansys or Abaqus. Also, mention your proficiency in mathematical tools such as Matlab and Excel, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves customer presentations and internal meetings, provide examples of your communication skills. Highlight any experience you have in presenting technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scientis Search Ltd
✨Showcase Your FEA Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with FEA tools like Ansys or Abaqus in detail. Highlight specific projects where you applied these tools to solve complex engineering problems, especially those related to elastomeric materials.
✨Demonstrate Mathematical Modelling Skills
Since the role involves mathematical modelling, brush up on your knowledge of tools like Matlab and Excel. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools in past projects, particularly in relation to fluid lens systems or elastomer analysis.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to face technical questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges in optics and elastomer modelling, and be ready to discuss how you would approach these issues creatively.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice presenting your past work clearly and concisely, as you'll need to convey complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences during customer presentations and internal meetings.
