Structural Analysis Engineer - UAV (6-month Contract)

Job description

We’re looking for a Structural Analysis Engineer to work on advanced UAV airframes, focusing on lightweight structures, composites, and full-airframe structural integrity.

This role is ideal for someone who wants real ownership, works comfortably across disciplines, and enjoys early-stage aircraft development.

What you’ll work on

• Define and analyse airframe load cases (manoeuvre, gust, landing, propulsion, inertial)
• Perform global and local FEA on wings, centre bodies, booms, mounts, and joints
• Conduct stress, deflection, stiffness, and buckling analysis
• Carry out composite laminate and sandwich panel analysis
• Evaluate margins of safety and reserve factors
• Support fatigue, durability, and damage tolerance assessments (concept–preliminary level)
• Perform modal and vibration analysis to avoid resonance issues
• Support thermal–structural effects from motors, batteries, and environment
• Work closely with design, aero, performance, and systems teams to influence structure early
• Support structural optimisation for weight vs strength
• Contribute to test correlation and design iteration
• Produce clear, review-ready analysis documentation

What we’re looking for

• Degree in Aerospace / Mechanical Engineering (or similar)
• Strong fundamentals in aircraft structures
• Hands-on experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, etc.)
• Understanding of composite structures and lightweight design
• Comfortable working with CAD geometry and evolving designs
• Able to think beyond tools and apply engineering judgement

Nice to have

• Experience with UAVs or small aircraft
• Exposure to composites manufacturing or testing
• Experience working on early-stage aerospace programmes

Why join us

• High technical ownership
• Work across the full design lifecycle
• Small, sharp engineering team
• Real engineering problems, not siloed tasks

It is mandatory for the candidate to hold a valid UK visa for this role.

We do not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Milton Keynes

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

30-01-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English