Senior Structural & Thermal Analysis Engineer

Senior Structural & Thermal Analysis Engineer
Oxfordshire  
Primarily site-based, with some flexibility

We are looking for an experienced Structural & Thermal Analysis Engineer to join an engineering team developing high-performance mechanical systems and components operating under demanding thermal and mechanical conditions.

This is a hands-on engineering role, with an approximately 50/50 split between structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and thermal modelling. You will use simulation to assess component performance, solve engineering challenges and influence design decisions throughout the development process.

You will work closely with design and test engineers to validate analytical models, interpret results and improve component performance.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and maintain structural FEA and thermal models to support component design and development.
- Perform structural stress, deformation and thermal-stress analyses.
- Develop thermal models to predict temperature distributions and heat transfer within components and assemblies.
- Use simulation results to identify potential design issues and recommend improvements.
- Define appropriate modelling assumptions, material properties, boundary conditions and verification methods.
- Correlate simulation results against experimental data and support validation activities.
- Work collaboratively with mechanical design and test engineers to improve designs and resolve technical challenges.
- Document analysis methods, results and recommendations to a high technical standard.
- Contribute to design reviews and engineering verification activities.

Essential Skills and Experience

- Approximately 5–10 years of relevant engineering experience in structural analysis, thermal analysis or a closely related discipline.
- Strong hands-on experience in structural FEA and thermal modelling.
- Experience using ANSYS Mechanical and/or Abaqus, or comparable FEA software.
- Experience analysing components subjected to demanding thermal and mechanical loads.
- Ability to interpret simulation results and translate findings into practical design recommendations.
- Good understanding of material properties, meshing, boundary conditions and model validation.
- Strong problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills.
- A practical, delivery-focused approach and the ability to work independently.

Desirable Experience

- Experience with high-temperature rotating components or complex mechanical assemblies.
- Background in aerospace, propulsion, turbomachinery, power generation or similar high-performance engineering environments.
- Experience with thermal-stress analysis and correlating simulations against physical test data.
- Familiarity with fatigue, creep or high-temperature component life assessment.

Working Arrangements

The position is primarily site-based in Oxfordshire, with some flexibility

Candidates must be eligible to obtain the security clearance required for the role.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to take a hands-on role in challenging engineering projects, applying structural and thermal analysis to guide design decisions and improve component performance.

We are interested in engineers who combine strong analytical skills with practical engineering judgement and a desire to contribute directly to the development of high-performance products.