LEAD ENGINEER – CAE DELIVERY (CONTRACTOR)

Oxford Technology Park; Lead (SD); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fortescue Zero bonus scheme

Aviva Pension

Group Life Assurance

Electric Car Scheme

Health Cash Plan

Private Medical Insurance

Free on-site gym access

Job summary

Oxford Technology Park is seeking a dedicated project manager with a strong background in engineering simulation. The ideal candidate will manage outsourced projects and collaborate across teams to ensure successful deliverables. Responsibilities include developing project timelines, vendor management, and risk identification.

With a focus on engineering simulation, including stress analysis and CFD, this role offers hybrid working conditions requiring three days in office. Competitive benefits include health plans and a bonus scheme.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in engineering simulation, particularly stress and CFD.
• Demonstrable experience in technical project management, especially outsourced work packages.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the CAE department and coordinate with project teams.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and vendor relationships.
• Develop and monitor comprehensive project plans with timelines.

Skills

Engineering simulation

Project management

Communication skills

Vendor management

Education

Degree in mechanical, automotive or aerospace engineering

Tools

MS Project

Jira

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

Job description

Fortescue Zero’s mission is to be the world leader in zero emission power systems. We are developing, manufacturing tech to decarbonise our planet. We are expanding across the UK, US and Australia and becoming a global company. As part of Fortescue, our vision is to be the number one integrated green technology, energy, and metals company.

About the Role

This contractor role requires technical project management of workload that is both outsourced as work packages and through internal development routes. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background, excellent project management skills and demonstrable experience in managing outsourced projects. This role requires a strategic thinker who can effectively coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure successful project delivery.

What You Will Do

• Support the CAE department and work within the CAE team.
• Support project teams across a matrix structure to meet customer requirements and deliverables.
• Act as client‑centric point of contact for simulation task delivery and represent projects during pre‑contract and kick‑off stages.
• Balance multiple concurrent projects and manage own workload.
• Identify, evaluate and obtain detailed scope and timelines for work packages requiring simulation support.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to determine achievable delivery routes, including outsourcing.
• Create package of work for selected vendors and document scopes, specifications and timelines.
• Identify, evaluate and select appropriate vendors and support procurement in negotiating contracts and service level agreements.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure high quality deliverables.
• Develop comprehensive project plans with timelines, milestones and resource allocations.
• Monitor progress of outsourced work packages to ensure adherence to schedules and budgets.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Provide regular updates to project and engineering leadership on project statuses.
• Facilitate effective communication between internal teams and external vendors.
• Present simulation results, engage in design reviews and maintain simulation deliverable timelines.
• Support and, where needed, check outsourced simulation projects such as stress analysis (linear, non-linear, modal) and CFD (thermal, electro‑thermal).

About You

• Degree (or equivalent) in mechanical, automotive or aerospace engineering.
• Extensive experience in engineering simulation, particularly stress (hand calculations, Hyperworks/Optistruct) and CFD (GT Suite, Star CCM).
• Demonstrable experience in technical project management, preferably with a focus on managing outsourced work packages.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Desirable experience in battery modules, EV and power electronics or in automotive, aerospace, heavy mining truck, yellow plant, or motorsport industry.
• Hands‑on experience with physical testing is highly beneficial.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of TeamCentre and of CATIA V5 or Siemens NX is advantageous.
• Proficiency in MS Project and Jira.
• Working towards or having achieved Chartership status with the IMechE/IET (or similar) is advantageous.

What is in it for you

• Fortescue Zero bonus scheme
• Aviva Pension
• Group Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection
• Electric Car Scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private Medical Insurance
• 26 days holiday plus public holidays and the opportunity to purchase an additional 5 days per year
• Childcare Benefits
• Free on‑site gym access and discounted national memberships

Our typical hybrid roles require 3 days in the office and 2 from home. Commuting to the stated office location for the required days is essential.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is 31st March 2025.

Fortescue Zero is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability, we are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments. You are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Please note, if you are applying for a role which involves having access to personal data, you will be subject to a background check. Where checks are unsatisfactory or incomplete and/or a failure to reveal information relating to convictions that you are required to identify as part of the background checks, could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.