Principal Composites Structures Engineer

Blackshark; West of England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Stock options

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

iCOMAT is looking for a Principal Composites Structures Engineer with deep FEA expertise to lead the development of high‑performance composite structures leveraging the RTS technology. You will design, simulate, and optimize complex components, guiding cross‑functional teams to meet customer requirements and regulatory standards.

You will mentor engineers, drive innovative analysis methodologies, and stay at the forefront of FEA practices while collaborating with manufacturing and QA to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; Master's or PhD preferred.
• 7+ years of FEA experience as a design tool with major FEA packages.
• Proven track record delivering complex structural projects in high-tech settings.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, materials and failure modes.
• Ability to interpret FEA results and communicate with technical/non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of ASME, ASTM and ISO standards relevant to FEA.
• Excellent problem-solving and multi-project management skills.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Utilise advanced FEA to design composite structural components meeting performance targets.
• Conduct stress, fatigue, vibration, and thermal analyses to identify risks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine requirements and concepts.
• Develop and validate FEA models ensuring accuracy and standards compliance.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Correlate test data and field performance to improve designs.
• Stay current with industry trends and new FEA tools.
• Support manufacturing and QA in resolving structural issues.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA approach

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

Join ICOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing!

iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) - the only proven technology for producing defect-free curved-fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense, and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.

We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory. We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale-up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US.

The business has currently more than 130,000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK (Gloucester and Swindon) and the US (Dayton, Ohio); a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced structures design engineer with a deep experience of using FEA to engineer composite parts. As a member of our dynamic team, the Principal Composites Structures Engineer will be responsible for leading the delivery of composite solutions to meet customer requirements, utilising our unique Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) technology to produce best in class structures. The RTS design process is Finite Element lead, so you will have a deep experience in conducting complex (FEA) simulations, particularly focused around using FEA as a design tool, rather than simply for verification.

As a Principal level engineer at ICOMAT, you will also bring broad technical expertise in the field of composites, as well as demonstrated experience in leading engineering developments. Your exceptional analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of the application of FEA methodologies will contribute to the development and improvement of our products and systems. The ideal candidate has a strong background in structural analysis, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a passion for delivering high-quality engineering solutions.

What will you be doing?

• Utilise advanced finite element analysis (FEA) simulations, to design composite structural components to meet requirements relating to structural integrity, performance, and behaviour of complex mechanical systems.
• Conduct stress, fatigue, vibration, and thermal analyses to identify and mitigate potential design flaws or failure risks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design engineers and product managers, to define and refine product requirements, specifications, and design concepts.
• Develop and validate FEA models, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and adherence to industry standards and best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, reviewing their work, offering constructive feedback, and fostering their professional development.
• Investigate and correlate test data, field performance, and customer feedback to assess and improve product designs, making recommendations for design modifications and optimizations.
• Stay current with industry trends, advancements, and emerging technologies related to finite element analysis, participating in professional development activities and continuously enhancing your technical expertise.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing and quality assurance teams to support the successful production and implementation of products, resolving any issues related to structural integrity or performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards in all analysis and design activities.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of analysis methodologies, tools, and processes, driving innovation and efficiency within the engineering team.

What do we need from you?

Must Haves:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. A Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline is preferred.
• Extensive experience (at least 7 years) in finite element analysis as a design tool, including hands‑on expertise in using FEA software tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran or similar.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex engineering projects involving structural analysis, preferably in a high technology development environment.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, material properties, and failure mechanisms (Including composite failure criteria).
• Proficiency in interpreting and analyzing FEA results, with the ability to communicate findings effectively to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to finite element analysis, such as ASME, ASTM, and ISO.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the ability to think critically, identify root causes, and propose innovative solutions.
• Strong project management abilities, including the capability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects concurrently, and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Experience in mentoring and leading junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Nice to have:

• Experience working to space industry standards such as ECSS or NASA GSFC-STD-7000 (NASA GEVS).
• Understanding of Verification and Validation methodologies of composite structures
• Knowledge of applicable composite material testing standards
• Familiarity with composite process simulation and manufacturing analysis tools
• Experience with pressure vessel engineering

Our Values: Uncompromising Excellence

• Discipline over excuses. We commit. We follow through. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standard, especially when the pressure is on.
• Push the edge. iCOMAT was built on a refusal to accept that curved fiber could not be manufactured at scale. We innovate where others hesitate.
• Aligned and accountable. Everyone owns their lane, communicates openly, and delivers without being chased. No silos. No ambiguity.

Why iCOMAT?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success.
• Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
• Innovation-Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward-thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
• Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide. Ready to be part of something big?