Lead FEM Engineer

Filton
3 weeks ago
Create job alert

Lead FEM Engineer

Location: Filton (hybrid)
Contract: 12‑Month Contract (Inside IR35)

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced FEM & Digital Engineer to join a dynamic Wing Engineering environment on a 12‑month contract. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing FE loads strategy, delivering structural enablement, and driving innovative digital and simulation projects within a highly collaborative multifunctional setting.

This position operates at Wing level across multiple major programmes, contributing directly to current and future aircraft wing development.

Why This Contract?

Work at the centre of Wing engineering strategy and development
Apply and develop cutting‑edge numerical simulation techniques
Contribute to the evolution of existing Wing programmes and the Wing of the Future
Influence the development of new digital ways of working within a modern engineering framework

Key Responsibilities

Structural & FE Analysis

Support the development of GFEM and DFEM models across various programmes
Run, analyse, and interpret FE results, validating stress data and offering design solutions optimised for weight, cost, performance, and manufacturability
Deliver static and fatigue analysis enablement in line with required quality standards
Produce and enhance new GFEM and DFEM modelling approachesDigital & Process Innovation

Deliver digital solutions that optimise structural analysis and enablement processes
Contribute to new, modernised ways of work aligned with advanced digital engineering strategies
Challenge existing methods and propose innovative, efficient approachesLeadership & Collaboration

Act as a focal point for FE and digital activities at Wing level, defining priorities, identifying risks, and proposing mitigations
Engage with internal stakeholders across functions and support a collaborative engineering culture
Report operationally to the Engineering Team Leader and functionally to senior engineers and subject matter experts

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
Significant professional experience in FEM and aerospace structures
Strong knowledge of Hyperworks, HyperMesh, and MSC Nastran
Experience with idealisation of Wing structural components using FEM
Understanding of engineering policies, processes, and airworthiness‑aligned analysis standardsDesirable

FEM Signature delegation
Competence with ISAMI
Experience working with UNIX-based platforms
Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge technical requirements and propose improvement
A collaborative team player with a dynamic, proactive attitude
Fluent English at negotiation level (written and verbal)

Ready to Take the Next Step?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to major aerospace wing development while shaping future digital engineering approaches. If you are an experienced FEM specialist ready for a challenging and rewarding contract, we'd love to hear from you.

This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Lead Systems Engineer (Small)

Lead SIEM Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer (Large)

Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Farnborough Lead SOC Content

Engineering Lead - Observability - Prometheus/Grafana

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Space Industry Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a UK Space Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in the space industry — whether that’s spacecraft engineering, mission operations, space software, satellite systems, ground segment integration or space data analytics — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools, platforms and technologies mentioned in job adverts. One role wants experience with CAD and FEA software. Another asks for experience with GNSS simulation. A third mentions mission scheduling tools, RF link analysis suites, Python, C++, continuous integration — and it seems there’s always another acronym to learn. With so much listed, many candidates fall into the trap of thinking they must master every tool under the sun before they’ll be taken seriously. Here’s the honest truth most UK space hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you’ve heard of every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real space problems, explain your reasoning clearly, and deliver results. Tools matter, but they always serve a purpose: achieving mission goals, improving reliability, reducing risk, delivering data, or enabling collaboration. Tools are enablers — not trophies. So how many tools do you actually need to know to get a space job? The answer is much fewer and far more strategic than you might think. This article breaks down: what tools employers really expect which ones are core across most space roles which ones are role-specific how to present your tool proficiency on your CV and in interviews

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Space Sector Job Applications (UK Guide)

The space industry is one of the most exciting and multidisciplinary sectors in technology and engineering today. Whether you’re applying for roles in spacecraft design, aerospace systems, robotics, satellite communications, mission operations, payload engineering, space software, ground systems, or scientific research, your application must quickly show hiring managers that you are relevant, technically credible and ready to deliver. In the UK space jobs market — spanning organisations from startups to defence primes, agencies, research labs and commercial constellations — hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. They scan applications rapidly, often making a judgement about whether to read further within the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in space sector applications, how they assess CVs and portfolios, why specific signals matter, and how you can position your experience to stand out on www.ukspacejobs.co.uk .

The Skills Gap in UK Space Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

The UK space sector is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing high-tech industries in the world. From Earth observation and satellite communications to space robotics, launch systems and deep-space exploration, the breadth of opportunity is enormous. The UK Government’s ambition to capture a significant share of the global space economy has driven investment, policy support and a wave of innovative companies — both established and start-up. Yet despite strong academic programmes and a pipeline of graduates with relevant degrees, employers in the UK space sector consistently report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not prepared for real-world space industry jobs. This is not a matter of intelligence or motivation. Rather, it reflects a growing skills gap between what universities are teaching and what employers actually need from space professionals. In this article, we’ll explore why that gap exists, what universities are doing well, where they fall short, what employers want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build thriving careers in the UK space sector.