Mechanical Analysis Engineer

Thales; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense firm located in Oxford is seeking a Mechanical Analyst to perform mechanical and structural analysis for propulsion subsystems. The role involves collaboration across disciplines to ensure compliance with aerospace standards while delivering solutions on time and within budget. Candidates should have an engineering degree and experience in structural analysis tools. Full-time position with flexible working options available.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

Inclusive recruitment process

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of structural analysis using FEA codes.
• Production of FEMs including defeaturing, meshing, and checking.
• Experience in a multi-discipline team environment.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards.
• Experience in the space domain.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural analysis activities through project milestones.
• Evaluate mechanical designs for compliance with space-environment constraints.
• Collaborate with design engineers to identify mechanical issues.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and documentation.

Skills

Mechanical Design

System Design

FEA

ASME Codes & Standards

CAD

Mechanical Knowledge

Creo

SolidWorks

Mechanical Engineering

AutoCAD

HVAC Design

Autodesk Inventor

Education

Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant discipline

Masters or higher degree

Membership of a professional institution

Tools

Nastran

Patran

Job description

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) Thales Alenia Space has been delivering high‑tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration science and orbital infrastructures for more than 40 years. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers—governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators—have space to connect, secure & defend, observe & protect, explore, travel & navigate.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their careers. At Thales UK we research, develop and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better and keep us safer. We innovate across Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and wellbeing matters to us, so we offer flexibility to do what’s important to you—whether that’s part‑time hours, job sharing, home working or flexible start and finish times.

Job description

As a Mechanical Analyst you will be responsible for the mechanical and structural justification of propulsion sub‑systems and equipment as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.

• Lead the structural analysis and verification activities through the different project life‑cycle milestones & reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, etc.).
• For projects at Phase A/B provide mechanical support for architecture trade‑off.
• Phase C/D activities include qualification test planning, set‑up, execution and results assessment.
• Demonstrate design engineering knowledge to achieve critical project outcomes in time, cost and quality.

Key Responsibilities and tasks

• Perform structural and mechanical analysis including finite element analysis (FEA), stress analysis, thermo‑elastic analysis, modal and vibration analysis on space hardware.
• Evaluate mechanical designs to ensure compliance with space‑environment constraints such as assembly loads and launch loads.
• Support testing activities by providing analytical insights and correlating test data with simulation results.
• Analyse data from vibration, shock, acoustic testing and support test planning and execution.
• Collaborate with design engineers, mechanical and thermal engineers, and system engineers to identify potential mechanical issues and recommend design improvements.
• Develop and validate analytical models and simulations using finite‑element modelling tools.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and requirements.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, analysis summaries and documentation for internal review and external stakeholders.
• Support failure investigations and root‑cause analysis for mechanical anomalies.
• Ensure all analysis complies with aerospace industry standards and company quality procedures.

Key Performance

• Delivery of design solutions and associated documentation within the constraints of project schedules and resources.
• Meeting project milestones.
• Quality of documentation.

Experience and Skills

• Basic knowledge of structural analysis using Nastran, Patran or another FEA code.
• Production of FEMs including defeaturing, meshing and checking.
• Setting up, running and assessing static, structural, dynamic and thermo‑elastic analyses.
• Experience with producing relevant documents and justification reports.
• Experience presenting at reviews.
• Experience working in a multi‑discipline team environment.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards such as NASA, ESA, MIL‑STD, ECSS.
• Experience dealing with customers, partners, suppliers and interface roles.
• Experience in the space domain.

Education & Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering or another relevant discipline.
• A Masters or higher degree (asset).
• Membership of a professional institution (asset).

In line with Thales Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment/education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance, which can require further evidence to be provided.

At Thales we provide careers, not just jobs. With 80 000 employees in 68 countries, our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

Great journeys start here—apply now!

Key Skills

• Mechanical Design
• System Design
• FEA
• ASME Codes & Standards
• CAD
• Mechanical Knowledge
• Creo
• SolidWorks
• Mechanical Engineering
• AutoCAD
• HVAC Design
• Autodesk Inventor

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1