Principal Mechanical Stress Engineer

Leonardo; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 53,269 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo is seeking a Principal Stress Engineer in the UK to lead stress activities across product lifecycles. You will perform finite element analyses, sign off technical documents and influence design decisions for defence platforms.

The role requires experience with NX/Nastran, hand calculations and environmental testing, plus strong communication and ownership skills. Hybrid onsite in Basildon with potential location options in UK.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Materials Science or Aeronautical Engineering.
• Proven experience with Finite Element Analysis tools (NX/Nastran).
• Experience with static/dynamic loading, fatigue and fracture assessment.
• Knowledge of environmental test methods and design certification for defence equipment.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and assess mechanical designs for strength, durability, performance and safety using FEM and hand calculations.
• Support selection of manufacturing technologies and aerospace materials.
• Take ownership of stress activities through concept to production lifecycles.
• Act as technical stress authority and signatory for document approval.
• Develop and maintain processes related to stress engineering activities.
• Ensure compliance with military/civil standards and regulations.
• Act as line-of-business lead and primary contact on stress/structural dynamics.
• Liaise with UK sites to maintain a consistent approach to stress engineering.
• Provide guidance to junior members of the Mechanical Team.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Ownership & planning

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science

Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Nastran

Job description

Salary Range £53,269 - £70,000. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Your impact

Do you possess skills in the analysis of mechanical structures? If so, this may be a great opportunity. You’ll work at the heart of multidisciplinary project teams, advising and ensuring our products meet demanding environmental and operational requirements. As a Stress Engineer, you will play a key role in the development and production of leading‑edge defence products within land, naval, seeker and space domains, supporting both new innovations and proven legacy products.

What You’ll Do As a Principal Stress Engineer

• Analyse and assess mechanical designs for strength, durability, performance and safety against regulatory and customer requirements using finite element techniques and classical hand calculations.
• Support the selection of manufacturing technologies and aerospace materials based on a sound understanding of material physical and mechanical properties and the mechanical fit, form and function of the product.
• Take ownership of all stress related activities for particular projects through all stages of the product lifecycle from concept to production and beyond.
• Act as technical stress authority and signatory for document approval.
• Develop and maintain common processes and procedures relating to stress engineering activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislative, regulatory and contractual requirements (based on recognised military/civil standards).
• Act as line‑of‑business lead and primary point of contact for projects, advising on all aspects of stress and structural dynamics throughout the product lifecycle.
• Liaise with other UK sites to maintain a consistent approach to stress engineering.
• Supply support and guidance to more junior members of the Mechanical Team.

Essential

• Degree qualification in a relevant engineering or science‑based course – Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or Aeronautical Engineering.
• Proven experience in the use of Finite Element Analysis software tools (preferably Siemens NX/Nastran) and techniques.
• Working evidence on the application of a wide range of classical hand calculation techniques for static and dynamic loading conditions, fatigue and fracture assessment (Land, Naval or Airborne equipment).
• Experience of environmental test methods for design verification and working knowledge of design certification for land based and airborne equipment.
• Ability to communicate with and influence the direction of both internal and external customers.
• A proven problem solver with a practical, pragmatic approach.
• Ability to take ownership of work packages, planning and scheduling own workload and the work of others.

Desirable

• Professional recognition as a Chartered Engineer and full membership of a relevant engineering institution (e.g. IMechE) is preferred.
• Experience in the design, development and test of electronics packaging and/or aerospace equipment.
• Experience of manufacturing and joining techniques, engineering material properties.
• Experience in Thermal Analysis techniques and tool sets (IcePak, Siemens NX).
• An understanding of the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
• Knowledge and experience to progress and become an approved signatory for airworthiness / structural integrity and a named individual on the UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Design Approved Organisation Scheme (DAOS).

Working Pattern

Onsite regularly, up to 5 days a week (37 hour standard work week, overtime if approved by project and employee). The company allows hybrid working so working from home is possible when project work allows. Basildon is the primary location option but Southampton or Bristol is possible.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) and ITAR may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Locations

Primary Location: GB – Basildon. Additional Locations: GB – Bristol – Coldharbour Lane, GB – Southampton.

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid