Stress Engineer

Windracers Ltd; Fareham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Windracers Ltd in the United Kingdom is seeking an entry level Stress Engineer to perform static and dynamic analysis of airframe structures, mechanisms, and payloads. You will apply FEA, hand calculations and other methods to assess strength, stiffness and fatigue life, in support of airworthiness.

Work with the Airframe Lead and Senior Stress Engineer to ensure structural integrity, durability and safety of UAV systems, contributing to verification, test campaigns, data interpretation and

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• 2 years of professional experience in structural analysis of lightweight structures (aerospace, UAVs, defence, or automotive/motorsport).
• Proficiency in FEA tools (Patran / Nastran preferable).
• Knowledge of composite metallic materials and associated failure modes is desirable.
• Experience with other areas involved in complex system analysis and development will be considered (CFD, Heat Transfer, CAD design, physical testing, etc.)
• Right to work in the UK.
• Vetting and security clearance (as required by role, location or client).

Responsibilities

• Perform simulations using FEA and hand calculations to evaluate strength, stiffness and fatigue life.
• Generate stress reports, compliance documents, and supporting evidence.
• Participate in mechanical component failure investigations.
• Conduct modal analyses to predict natural frequencies and dynamic responses.
• Support mitigation of vibration-related issues and reliability concerns.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structures for weight and manufacturability.
• Define test campaigns, interpret data, and validate models.
• Produce clear stress analysis documentation for design reviews and airworthiness certification.

Skills

Analytical skills

Clear communication

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Patran

Nastran

Job description

We are looking for an entry level Stress Engineer that will be responsible for the analysis of airframe structures, mechanisms, and payloads under static and dynamic loads, as well as performing vibration, modal, and fatigue analysis to evaluate performance under real-world operating conditions. Working closely with the Airframe Lead and a Senior Stress Engineer, you will work towards ensuring the structural integrity, durability, and safety of our UAV systems.

Responsibilities/Tasks

Structural Analysis

• Perform simulations using finite element analysis (FEA), hand calculations and other methods to evaluate the strength, stiffness, and fatigue life of structures and mechanisms.
• Support verification and, where applicable, certification activities by generating stress reports, compliance documents, and supporting evidence.
• Participate in mechanical component failure investigations.

Vibration & Modal Analysis

• Conduct modal analyses to predict natural frequencies, mode shapes, and dynamic responses of airframe structures and subsystems.
• Support the mitigation of vibration-related issues such as resonance, fatigue, and component reliability.

Integration & Collaboration

• Work closely with mechanical design engineers to optimize structures for weight, manufacturability, and performance.
• Collaborate with the physical testing teams to define test campaigns, interpret data, and validate models.

Documentation & Compliance

• Produce clear, traceable stress analysis documentation to support design reviews and airworthiness certification.
• Other responsibilities as agreed with your Manger
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times in accordance with the company expected behaviours and values
• Work in accordance with company policies, procedures and guidelines
• Act always in a safe manner and in support of our Health and safety agenda

Skills/Knowledge

• Degree in in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• 2 years of professional experience in structural analysis of lightweight structures (preferably in aerospace, UAVs, defence, or automotive/motorsport).
• Proficiency in FEA tools (Patran / Nastran preferable).
• Knowledge of composite metallic materials and associated failure modes is desirable.
• Experience with other areas involved in complex system analysis and development will be considered (CFD, Heat Transfer, CAD design, physical testing, etc.)
• Right to work in the UK.
• Vetting and security clearance (as required by role, location or client).

Personal / Behavioural Qualities / What We’re Looking for:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and develop as a simulation engineer in a multidisciplinary field.
• Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Agile / Adaptable to change, with excellent organisational skills
• Works in accordance with company policies, procedures and guidelines, prioritising safety in every operation.
• Effective Team worker, fostering a unified team committed to shared success and mutual support.