Job Description

We are looking for a Stress Engineer that will be responsible for the analysis of airframe structures, mechanisms, and payloads under static and dynamic loads, as well as performing vibration, modal, and fatigue analysis to evaluate performance under real-world operating conditions.



Working closely with airframe, aircraft systems, and test teams, you will ensure that our UAVs meet airworthiness, reliability, and operational requirements. This role plays a pivotal role in ensuring the structural integrity, durability, and safety of our UAV systems.

Key Responsibilities

Structural Analysis

Perform hand calculations, finite element analysis (FEA), and other methods to evaluate the strength, stiffness, and fatigue life of structures and mechanisms. Support verification and, where applicable, certification activities by generating stress reports, compliance documents, and supporting evidence. Actively participate or lead mechanical component failure investigations.

Vibration & Modal Analysis

Conduct modal analyses to predict natural frequencies, mode shapes, and dynamic responses of airframe structures and subsystems. Perform vibration analyses (harmonic, random, and transient) to assess the impact of propulsion, aerodynamic loads, and operational environments. Define vibration test requirements and correlate analytical results with ground and flight test data. Support the mitigation of vibration-related issues such as resonance, fatigue, and component reliability.

Integration & Collaboration

Work closely with mechanical design engineers to optimize structures for weight, manufacturability, and performance. Collaborate with the physical testing teams to define test campaigns, interpret data, and validate models.

Documentation & Compliance

Produce clear, traceable stress analysis documentation to support design reviews and airworthiness certification. Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace standards and customer requirements. Contribute to continuous improvement of analysis methods, tools, and processes

Qualification, Skills & Experience

Degree in in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (or equivalent). 3+ years of experience in structural analysis of lightweight structures (preferably in aerospace, UAVs, or related industries). Proficiency in FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus) and CAD/FEA integration workflows. Strong understanding of vibration and modal analysis, including correlation with physical test data, as applicable to flight vehicles, propulsion systems or similar areas. Experience with fatigue, damage tolerance, and dynamic load analysis. Knowledge of composite and metallic materials and associated failure modes. Familiarity with load definitions for aerospace applications and equivalent structural standards and practices. Experience with other areas involved in complex system development will be considered (CFD, Heat Transfer, CAD design, physical testing, administration of design processes/systems, etc.) Right to work within the UK. Vetting and security clearance (as required by role, location or client).

Personal Qualities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams. Collaborative mindset, working effectively across design, test, and certification teams. * Proactive approach to identifying risks and proposing practical solutions.