Senior Stress Engineer

Innovate Recruitment Ltd; St Albans; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace defense firm is seeking a highly capable Senior Stress Engineer to lead structural design for advanced military platforms. This hybrid role involves collaboration across disciplines and requires strong analytical skills, including CAE tool usage. Candidates must possess a relevant engineering degree and experience in complex structural analysis. Benefits include a performance bonus, a robust pension scheme, and exceptional family leave. Strong communicators and mentors will thrive in this role.

Benefits

Annual performance bonus up to £2,500

Pension scheme with up to 14% contributions

Flexible leave up to 15 additional days

Enhanced family leave benefits

On-site facilities including subsidised catering

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Structural Analysis.
• Proven track record in structural analysis work packages.
• Strong in both classical and CAE analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design and development for defence systems.
• Perform CAE-based simulations and classical analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Planning and leading complex structural analysis

Using CAE tools

Technical documentation skills

Mentoring junior engineers

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in relevant engineering or scientific discipline

Tools

HyperWorks

Job description

Senior Stress Engineer

Aerospace/Defence

Role Overview

As a result of growing programme demands, an established Mechanical Analysis function is seeking a highly capable Senior Stress Engineer to take a leading role in the structural design and development of a future‑generation, highly complex defence system.

The successful candidate will work closely with a range of engineering disciplines across multiple UK locations to deliver a robust, high‑performance aerospace structural solution.

Salary: Approximately £58,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Location: Stevenage (relocation support may be available)

Working Pattern: Hybrid working, with a minimum of 3 days per week on site due to the classified nature of the work

Security Requirements

Applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals holding British citizenship. Employment is subject to nationality and right‑to‑work constraints. All offers are conditional upon successfully achieving BPSS screening and Security Clearance (SC) following acceptance.

Benefits Package

• Annual performance bonus: Up to £2,500 (linked to company results)
• Pension scheme: Combined employer and employee contributions of up to 14%
• Paid overtime: Available depending on business need
• Flexible leave: Up to 15 additional flexi‑leave days
• Flexible working: Consideration given to alternative working arrangements
• Enhanced family leave: Up to 26 weeks enhanced maternity, adoption and shared parental leave
• Improved paternity, neonatal leave and fertility treatment support
• On‑site facilities: Subsidised catering, free parking and a range of additional amenities

The Role

The Mechanical Analysis team provides critical expertise in structural and thermal performance for advanced military platforms. Support is delivered across the full product lifecycle, including early concept evaluation, detailed design development, production support and in‑service activities.

This role offers exposure to a broad spectrum of analysis activities, such as:

• Classical analytical methods and hand calculations
• CAE‑based simulations (static, dynamic, fatigue, aeroelastic, nonlinear, impact and kinematic analysis)
• Structural qualification and design verification testing
• Load generation and fault investigation

The team operates within a collaborative, inclusive environment that values technical excellence, continuous improvement and professional development. Engineers are encouraged to share knowledge and contribute across multiple programmes concurrently.

Candidate Profile

You will ideally hold a degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline, or possess substantial equivalent industry experience (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Analysis).

Key experience and attributes include:

• A proven track record of planning, leading and delivering complex structural analysis work packages
• Strong capability using both traditional analytical techniques and CAE tools (experience with HyperWorks is advantageous)
• Ability to produce clear, high‑quality technical documentation and present findings confidently to a range of stakeholders, including senior leadership
• A proactive mindset with enthusiasm for improving tools, processes and methodologies
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and supporting their technical and professional development
• Comfortable working autonomously while also contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to influence and engage stakeholders
• Experience in composite structures analysis would be beneficial
• Willingness to apply for and maintain DV clearance is desirable