FEA Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Newport; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An iconic motorsport brand is seeking a skilled Finite Element Analysis Engineer to join their talented team. This role involves leading structural analysis for innovative projects, optimizing components for maximum performance, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The successful candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, particularly within motorsport or high-performance environments. With a commitment to engineering excellence, this opportunity offers the chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in automotive design. If you're passionate about motorsport and ready to make an impact, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in mechanical engineering, ideally in motorsport.
• Strong knowledge of FEA and hand calculations.
• Experience with high-performance parts.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural analysis across all projects undertaken by the Lola Technical Team.
• Create and analyze FEA models for structural components.
• Define composite laminates for maximum structural efficiency.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Mechanical Engineering

Advanced Composite Analysis

Hand Calculations

Team Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Automotive Engineering

Degree in Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

Altair HyperWorks

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Lola Cars, one of the world’s iconic motorsport brands, and the most successful manufacturer of customer racing cars of all time. Since 1958, we have been building cars destined to win on the track.

Lola Cars has cultivated a brand synonymous with engineering excellence, iconic design, and racing success. Under new ownership, Lola is committed to pushing innovation in engineering and as part of this commitment, Lola intends to release the IP back into the ecosystems and develop products that have far reaching impacts beyond motorsports.

The Opportunity:

A fabulous opportunity for an experienced, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Engineer to join the small yet growing, dedicated and talented team at Lola as we embark on the next phase of the adventure. The role of the FEA Engineer will primarily leading the structural analysis across all projects undertaken by the Lola Technical Team.

Role Responsibilities:

• Create and develop load cases and define structural parameters for all technical projects.
• Create and analyse FEA models for structural components in metals and composites.
• Interpret FEA results and make conclusions, improvements and recommendations.
• Define composite laminates for maximum structural efficiency.
• Analyse composite laminates for structural integrity and determine failure modes and limits.
• Develop safety factors and working limits for all structural components.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate FEA models and simulations.
• Perform multibody FEA structural analysis.
• Perform hand calculations as required to supplement FEA analysis.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all FEA analyses.
• Define and implement FEA procedures for all Lola projects.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.
• Optimise structural components for maximum performance.
• Guide component design with supporting structural analysis.
• Work with the Technical Project Leaders to ensure safe and compliant design.
• Hold Structural Design Review Meetings with members of the design team and other project members as required to ensure the design is in line with the project requirements.
• Contribute to regular Project Review Meetings to ensure all structural items are to specification and all analysis is completed on time.
• Contribute to the FMEA process for safety critical aspects of the design to ensure due diligence has been applied and documented.
• Contribute to the proposals for Rig and Track test activities.
• Assists with recruitment, including candidate proposals and selection.
• Mentors new team members as required.
• Contribute technical expertise to other projects as required.
• Contribute to the development of the Lola Technical Structure and Processes.
• Ensure all structural and FEA documentation is saved in a disciplined, well organised manner and that the relevant Lola team members have access to the information they require.
• Pay attention to detail in all areas.

Technical Skills required:

• 5 years minimum experience in mechanical engineering, ideally in a motorsport design office or a comparable environment working with high performance parts
• Strong FEA and hand calculation knowledge and experience
• Experience using Altair Hyper works or similar FEA software
• Proficient in advanced composite structural component analysis

Skills required:

• Self-motivated to develop, drive and deliver the FEA Engineer remit
• Ability to work both independently and as a team player.
• Communicates and demonstrates progress towards the end-goal.
• Confidence and knowledge to raise issues and develop solutions.
• Relatively comfortable operating in a fluid, changing environment.
• Strong attention to and enjoys the detail in all areas
• Methodical and measured in approach.
• Builds rapport with team members.
• Initiative, to find ways to achieve/deliver what is required.

Qualifications & Experience required:

• Degree Level or commensurate work experience
• Mechanical, Automotive or Aeronautical engineering degree desirable but not essential
• An interest in and understanding of engineering/motorsport.

The Successful Candidate might be:

• An existing FEA Engineer in a motorsport/automotive company
• A Composite Engineer who has acquired the appropriate experience, skills & knowledge.
• An experienced FEA engineer with the relevant skills and knowledge

Role Location & Hours:

The role will be based at the Silverstone, Lola Facility with the potential for some flexibility for remote working. 40 hrs a week, normal working days Monday to Friday, 8 hours a day.

Interested in the role?

• Please send your CV accompanied by a short emailexplaining:
  • why you are suitable for the role,
  • salary expectations
  • availability to start.

Closing Date: 23rd May 2025 - We look forward to hearing from you.