Stress Engineer Capability Lead

Assystem UK Ltd; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is looking for a Principal Stress Engineer to lead technical delivery and develop stress engineering capability. This role involves leading project teams, delivering stress analysis, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior engineers. Strong knowledge of Finite Element Analysis and experience with international codes are crucial. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive culture.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in stress analysis and structural integrity assessments.
• Strong knowledge of international codes and standards related to pressure vessels.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams to deliver high-quality stress analysis.
• Develop and grow stress engineering capability within Assystem.
• Collaborate with business development teams to identify value-adding opportunities.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis

Technical leadership

Stress analysis

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Engineering

Job description

With rapidly increasing demand for new plant, equipment, and life-extension projects in the defence sector, Assystem's stress and structural integrity experts are central to our growth. We are now seeking a Principal Stress Engineer who will also act as a Stress Capability Lead, shaping the direction, capability, and excellence of our internal stress simulation and assessment engineering function.

Technical Delivery

You will lead project teams and technical work in client facing roles, delivering high-quality stress analysis and structural integrity assessments: Act as a technical lead for stress and structural integrity, providing expert advice, troubleshooting, and technical oversight. Represent Assystem in client meetings. Serve as an Independent Technical Approver to ensure the highest engineering standards. Use Finite Element Analysis and traditional hand calculations to justify strength, fatigue, defect tolerance, and structural performance to international codes and standards (including pressure vessel and defect-tolerance codes). Collaborate closely with safety case authors, design engineers, and multidisciplinary delivery teams. Mentor junior engineers, offering technical guidance and helping shape our next generation of stress specialists.

Stress Capability Lead

A portion of your time will be dedicated to leading, developing, and growing Assystem's internal stress capability: Capability Development & Governance. Define the strategic development roadmap for stress engineering capability within Assystem UK. Maintain and improve technical processes, methods, best-practice guides and quality frameworks. Monitor workload, skill gaps and training needs across the stress discipline. Lead technical upskilling initiatives, coaching frameworks and internal training pathways. Team Growth, Recruitment & Retention. Work with the Engineering Directors and Business Management teams to forecast demand, plan workforce requirements, and shape the long-term capability pipeline. Support recruitment campaigns, interviewing and selecting high-quality stress engineers. Ensure strong retention by fostering a supportive culture, mentoring talent, and providing growth opportunities. Sales, Bidding & Business Development. Collaborate with Sales and Business Development teams to identify opportunities where stress capability adds value.

Sales, Bidding & Business Development

• Contribute to bids, proposals, client presentations and technical sales materials.
• Represent stress capability during strategic planning, major pursuits, and innovation initiatives.

Internal & External Leadership

• Act as a visible leader and ambassador for stress engineering across Assystem and with clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with key technical stakeholders, partners and industry bodies.