Senior FEA Engineer

Matchtech; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech seeks a Senior FEA Engineer to join its Southampton team, with hybrid working available for cutting-edge maritime technology projects. You will deliver robust finite element analysis and simulation activities to support design, validation and optimization of complex products in demanding environments.

The role requires a degree in mechanical/aerospace/naval architecture or related field, proven FEA experience in regulated industries, and strong skills in

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical/aerospace/naval architecture or related field.
• Proven experience in FEA in regulated or demanding industries.
• Strong knowledge of structural mechanics and material behavior.
• Experience using FEA software (ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, HyperWorks).
• Ability to translate complex requirements into analytical models.
• Experience in static, dynamic, fatigue, and buckling analyses.

Responsibilities

• Perform linear and nonlinear FEA on structural and mechanical assemblies.
• Develop simulation models to assess strength, stiffness, fatigue, vibration, and buckling performance.
• Support concept development with detailed engineering analysis and optimization.
• Interpret and communicate analysis results to engineering and project teams.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, test, and systems engineers.
• Validate simulation results using physical test data and measurement techniques.
• Contribute to design reviews and technical decision-making.
• Produce high-quality technical reports and documentation.
• Support certification and compliance activities where applicable.
• Drive continuous improvement in analysis methods, processes, and tools.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Independent working

Education

Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Naval Architecture or related

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

HyperWorks

Job description

Senior FEA Engineer

Location: Southampton, Hampshire (Hybrid Working Available)

Sector: Advanced Maritime Technology / Clean Technology

Employment Type: Full Time

The Opportunity

An innovative engineering organisation at the forefront of next-generation maritime technology is seeking a Senior FEA Engineer to join its expanding engineering team in Southampton.

Working on cutting-edge mechanical and structural systems, you will be responsible for delivering robust finite element analysis and simulation activities that support the design, validation, and optimisation of complex engineered products operating in demanding real-world environments.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team developing technology that is helping to shape the future of sustainable marine transportation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct linear and nonlinear finite element analysis on structural and mechanical assemblies.
• Develop simulation models to assess strength, stiffness, fatigue, vibration, and buckling performance.
• Support concept development through detailed engineering analysis and optimisation.
• Interpret and communicate analysis results to engineering and project teams.
• Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, test, and systems engineers.
• Validate simulation results using physical test data and measurement techniques.
• Contribute to design reviews and technical decision-making activities.
• Produce high-quality technical reports and engineering documentation.
• Support certification and compliance activities where applicable.
• Drive continuous improvement in analysis methods, processes, and tools.

Essential Requirements

• Ideally a Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience performing FEA within a highly regulated or technically demanding industry.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics and material behaviour.
• Experience using FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, HyperWorks, or equivalent.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering requirements and translate them into analytical models.
• Experience assessing static, dynamic, fatigue, and buckling performance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative engineering team.

Desirable Experience

• Composite structures analysis.
• Marine, aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, defence, or advanced technology sectors.
• CFD exposure and understanding of fluid-structure interactions.