Blast Technical Lead

AECOM; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a driven Blast Associate Technical Lead in Manchester. You will provide specialist blast design services, collaborate with Security and Structural teams, and engage clients to deliver innovative protective solutions. Ideal candidates will have strong expertise in blast analysis, project management skills, and a relevant engineering qualification. This full-time role offers opportunities to lead diverse projects and intersects with critical infrastructure development.

Qualifications

• Broad technical knowledge of security with in-depth expertise in blast analysis.
• Proficiency with advanced 3D finite element modelling and fluid-structure interaction.
• Solid project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of blast protection provisions and CFD modelling.
• Oversee production and workload management for blast-related projects.
• Engage closely with clients to identify challenges and effective solutions.

Skills

Blast analysis and design

Technical leadership

Project management

Client engagement

Strong written communication

Security clearance capability

Education

Relevant qualification in security or engineering

Tools

ANSYS

AutoDyn

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Passionate about protecting people and infrastructure? Do you have a talent for blast analysis and design? AECOM is looking for a driven Blast Associate Technical Lead to join our world-class team and deliver a better world.

Our team specialises in providing practical and cost-effective protective design solutions across diverse markets, including high-rise buildings, petrochemical facilities, aviation, defence, transportation infrastructure, and more. We excel in structural hardening to improve the survivability of people and structures against accidental or intentional blast and impact events, integrating these solutions seamlessly into a structure's design while preserving its cost-efficiency and aesthetics.

What you'll do

We are seeking a full-time Blast Associate Technical Lead to join our Building Engineering Division, based in one of our UK offices (London, St Albans, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, or Bristol). As a key member of AECOM's Specialisms Operating Unit within the Security & Technology engineering group, you will provide specialist blast design and support services. You'll collaborate closely with our Security and Structural teams, enhancing their design activities across a wide array of projects, from office fit-outs and mixed-use developments to industrial facilities and critical government and commercial organisations.

Your role will be pivotal in delivering cutting-edge blast protection solutions. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Technical Leadership & Design: Provide expert technical input on blast and protection engineering. Lead the design of blast protection provisions, including CFD modelling of effects on building structures and complex structural analysis.
2. Project Delivery: Oversee the production and workload management for blast-related projects. Develop work plans, define tasks, and ensure quality management and technical assurance.
3. Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with clients to understand their business practices and goals, identify challenges, and formulate effective solutions. Engage with sector leads within our Building & Places Business unit and liaise with general Building Engineering teams.
4. Business Development: Contribute to business development initiatives, including sales and work winning.
5. Risk & Threat Assessment: Undertake detailed assessments of threats, likelihood, and consequences to determine risk severity and appropriate treatments.
6. Documentation & Reporting: Produce high-quality documentation, including employer's requirements, specifications, feasibility studies, and concept/scheme designs.
7. Project Management: Manage projects on behalf of clients, including progress reporting and contract administration where applicable.
8. Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Promote best practices in Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) and contribute to knowledge management within the team.
9. Gathering data and technical information.
10. Writing employer's requirements and specifications.
11. CFD Modelling and complex structural analysis.
12. Completing feasibility studies and design reviews.
13. Developing concept/scheme designs and detailed designs.
14. Tender management and vetting.
15. Presentations and sales support.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what's possible? We're looking for a candidate with a strong foundation in client business practices and the ability to develop innovative solutions. You should possess:

1. A broad technical knowledge of security with in-depth expertise in blast analysis and design.
2. Proven ability to determine operational and strategic requirements to form a basis of design.
3. Expertise in blast modelling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to accurately capture blast wave-structure interaction.
4. Proficiency with ANSYS, AutoDyn, or similar software for advanced 3D finite element modelling and fluid-structure interaction.
5. Strong understanding of physical security solutions (doors, locks, walls, fencing, glazing) and relevant performance standards.
6. Experience in threat reduction, structural vulnerability analyses, façade and glass evaluation, collision and high-speed impact analysis, and the effect of fire on structures.
7. Excellent document writing skills with meticulous attention to detail.
8. Solid project management capabilities.
9. Strong technical and design skills in structural design and security assessment.
10. Good numerical and analytical abilities.
11. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage at senior levels and with diverse stakeholders (architects, contractors, etc.).
12. Tact, persuasive ability, and a collaborative team spirit.
13. Proficient IT skills and self-motivation.
14. The ability to hold or obtain Security Clearance.
15. A relevant qualification in a security or engineering-related discipline.
16. Professional certifications such as RSES, CSyP, PSP, MSyl.
17. Experience using AutoCAD and Revit.

At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you.