Finite Element Analysis Engineers

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent - Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?
AWE is currently recruiting for Finite Element Analysis Engineers
The Engineering Analysis Team support AWE’s mission by providing a range of computational mechanics services to the business, such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermal and blast analysis. The team work on challenging, weapons-related projects which underpin continuous-at-sea-deterrence and contribute to the security of the nation.
We have multiple vacancies for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) engineers, at both junior and senior levels, to work on a variety of exciting and unique structural mechanics and thermal analysis projects.
Location: Aldermaston, West Berkshire. We are located between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking.
Salary: £34,000 - £65,000 ( depending on your suitability and level of experience)
Closing date: 5th May 2024

The Role
The types of analysis the team undertake are varied and may include:

• Linear and non-linear static structural stress analysis
  
• Transient dynamic explicit analysis
  
• Frequency-domain analysis (modal, harmonic, shock response, etc.)
  
• Coupled multi-physics e.g. fluid-structure interaction
  
• Transient and steady-state thermal analysis
  

Who Are We Looking For?
A degree-level background in a STEM subject is preferred. The Engineering Analysis Team has a diverse set of skills, and we welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Use of Finite Element Analysis codes such as ANSYS, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, etc. to solve structural and thermal analysis problems
  
• Use of pre-processors such as Hypermesh, ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus/CAE, etc. to prepare geometry and construct Finite Element meshes
  
• Use of Python scripting for automating pre-/post-processing of Finite Element models and for analysis workflow efficiency
  
• Performing model verification and validation (V&V) activities such as mesh convergence studies, comparison to hand-calculation and comparison to experimental tests
  
• Use of Linux-based high-performance computing (HPC) clusters to solve large Finite Element models
  

To be considered for the senior roles, we would like you to be able to demonstrate experience of:

• Conducting research and development of new and novel techniques in the field of engineering simulation
  
• Providing technical leadership and leading outreach initiatives with academia and industrial partners
  
• Mentoring junior analysts and reviewing analysis work
  
• Consulting with customers to understand their modelling and simulation requirements and translate these into packages of analysis work
  

Candidates must be willing and able to travel within the UK and overseas as required.
What Will You Get From Us?
As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
  
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time
  
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
  
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
  
• A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
  
• Life Assurance
  
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
  
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family
  
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site
  
• Relocation package available (terms and conditions apply)
  
• Potential opportunities to travel with work for conferences and collaboration
  

Important things you need to know:

• You must be a UK national who has been resident in the UK for the past 10 years.
  
• Interviews will be 90 minutes in length and will be held over Microsoft Teams. You will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation in advance.
  
• Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE.
  

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* Agencies: Please note that we do not out-source our recruitment
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.