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- Tasks: Lead complex engineering challenges using FEA and mathematical modelling in optics.
- Company: Join a respected Optical Technology company in Oxfordshire, known for innovation and expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for internal R&D and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, solving real-world problems in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science; FEA experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with top tech brands and contribute to next-gen product development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 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
Network with professionals in the optics and engineering fields. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company and its projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in Finite Element Analysis and elastomeric materials. Being well-versed in current trends and technologies will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work involving FEA and mathematical modelling. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for the company's focus on R&D and innovation. Be ready to share your ideas on how you could contribute to their projects and drive technological advancements in optics and ophthalmics.
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 in relation 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 your familiarity with FEA tools like Ansys and your experience in a design environment, as well as any relevant projects.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have with elastomers and fluid lens systems. If you've worked on similar projects or have knowledge of optics, make sure to include that information.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your technical expertise in detail. Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges and be prepared to present your findings clearly, as communication is key in this role.
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, be ready to explain your approach to using tools like Matlab and Excel. Consider bringing examples of your work that illustrate your problem-solving capabilities in this area.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you will need to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences during the interview.
✨Prepare for Design Discussions
The company values collaboration in design processes. Be ready to engage in discussions about ideation and brainstorming. Think of examples where you contributed to design proposals and how you approached challenges in a team setting.
