Lead Stress Engineer

Rocket Lab; Forres; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading micro-launch company is seeking a Lead Stress Engineer in Forres, Scotland. This role involves technical leadership in structural analysis for space applications, collaborating on designs, and ensuring testing integrity. Candidates must possess a degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering and experience with structural analysis tools. Benefits include competitive salary, relocation support, and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle.

Benefits

34 days holiday

Pension

Cycle scheme

Employee assistance

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Industry experience in analyzing mass-efficient structural parts.
• Experience with CAD systems, especially for analysis preparation.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., MIL-HDBK-5/17).

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA.
• Collaborate with the design team to iterate concepts.
• Define analysis and test plans based on requirements.

Skills

Proficiency with FEA packages

Communication Skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEMAP

Nastran

Hypermesh

Optistruct

Job description

Orbex is seeking a Lead Stress Engineer to join our flight structures team in developing Orbex Prime. This role involves technical leadership in structural analysis, failure mode analysis, and supporting testing.

About Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with Prime and Proxima launch vehicles set to launch from Scotland. We are among the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe, with over €122m/£103m in project financing, signed customers, a launch licence application, and backing from UKSA and ESA.

Our rapidly growing team is based in Forres, Scotland, and Copenhagen, Denmark. We work on cutting-edge rocket fuel technology, with Prime’s carbon footprint being up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles. We have in-house production capabilities, including 3D printing of complex engines, full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and testing labs in Scotland and Denmark.

Located in Forres, at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, our site offers access to outdoor pursuits and spectacular natural scenery, including beaches, wildlife, Loch Ness, and ski resorts.

The Position

Role and Responsibilities:

• Perform, validate, and document structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA for composite and metallic components and assemblies.
• Collaborate with the design team to iterate concepts using sizing and optimization methods for a 'design by analysis' approach.
• Define analysis and test plans based on high-level requirements.
• Support hardware development and testing as needed.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Industry experience in analyzing mass-efficient structural parts for high-performance applications such as space, aerospace, defense, or motorsport.
• Proficiency with industry-standard FEA packages (e.g., FEMAP, Nastran, Hypermesh, Optistruct).
• Experience with CAD systems, especially in geometry preparation for analysis.
• Proactive, team-oriented, with excellent communication skills.
• Experience in static testing and failure mode analysis.
• Ability to work under pressure across multiple projects.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience with composite structural analysis for aerospace applications, including bonded joints.
• Knowledge of vibration analysis methodologies applicable to aerospace.
• Experience designing or analyzing composite pressure structures or COPVs.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., MIL-HDBK-5/17, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001).
• Experience with structural testing and material characterization.

Location

• This role requires on-site presence in Forres, Scotland, at Orbex’s headquarters.
• Benefits include a salary of £48-65k, 34 days holiday, pension, cycle scheme, employee assistance, and more. Orbex can sponsor visas and offers relocation support, including accommodation and allowances.