Assistant Engineer

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WSP are looking for an Assistant Engineer to join our Blast Engineering team. Part of WSP UK’s Specialists Group – our Blast Engineering team provide specialised blast engineering services in support of all the major multi-disciplinary projects of the business and is also uniquely positioned to offer independent and unbiased technical advice directly to end clients.

At WSP, we provide specialist structural analysis services for all aspects of structural design. We are members of the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES), and our diverse team can advise on many areas of advanced engineering. From high-rise and super slender buildings to bridges, shopping centers, arenas, stadia or airports, our blast engineering experts can design structures to withstand a potential threat whilst remaining financially viable and attractive to end users.

A typical week would include:

• Blast loading simulation using Hydrocode modelling and simplified methods.
• Blast loading structural analysis using SDOF methods and FEA.
• Conducting code compliant design of structural components in order to mitigate blast and direct impact threats.
• Interpret and coordinate blast requirements based on Security reports.
• Contribute to the R&D activities of the Advanced Structural Analysis Engineering team.
• Attend client meetings as / when required.
• Production of reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with structural / security / façade engineering teams as / when required, both external and internal to WSP.

Essential requirements:

• A degree in Civil, Structural or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum one year of experience in a relevant industry.
• Experience with dynamic structural analysis and conventional structural engineering principles.
• Basic understanding of FEA principles and applications to structural analysis.
• Understanding of design requirements for extreme loading conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Experience in usage of various CAD software such as AutoCAD and Revit.
• Good multi-tasking ability, prioritisation of workflow and time management skills.
• Aptitude for learning / developing new skills and tools.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• MSc, MEng or PhD with a focus on any of the following: Hydrocode Modelling, FEA, non-linear dynamic structural analysis, blast engineering.
• Scripting/programming proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB.

• Experience working with blast protection standards such as ASCE 59-22 or ISO 16933.

• Experience with pre-processing software such as Hypermesh.
• Knowledge of detailing structural design and its relevance to blast engineering.
• Knowledge of best practice for niche blast design requirements.
• Experience with Viper::Blast for blast loading simulations.
• Experience with FEA software such as Abaqus and/or ETABS.

Training to cover blast engineering theory and specific software will be provided.

• Work-life balance?

WSP recognises that work is only one part of your life and making time for other things is important – whether that’s for your families, friends, or yourself.

Our hybrid working policy allows the flexibility to work from the comfort of your own home as well as collaborating in our contemporary offices across the UK.

• Inclusivity & Diversity?

We want our people to achieve rewarding careers, bringing their whole selves to work. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing diversity to create a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Our employee resource groups VIBE (LGBTQ+ employees), CREED (Championing Racial Equality and Ethnic Diversity) and our Gender Balance Group, in tandem with WSP’s Neurodiverse Community Group, WSP Connect Group (visible and non-visible disabilities) help us promote the right environment for you to reach your full potential.

• Health & Wellbeing?

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Med24 gives you and your family unrestricted telephone access to an NHS doctor where you can call day or night or have a face-to-face video consultation.

• Flex your time?

For improved work life balance, WSP offers the “WSP Hour” which enables you to take one hour per day to do as you wish and make up the time earlier or later that day. We also offer part time and flexible working arrangements plus the option to flex your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

• Your development?

We appreciate that development and training is important to you and that’s why we have a supportive environment that invests in your development, whether that’s chartership, training or mentoring.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Please note WSP reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date.

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