The Role
Own delivery and continuous improvement of Structural Systems digital capabilities, covering 3D CAD/MBD, FEA pre and post-processing, materials and allowables, loads and mass properties, and digital thread connectivity
Define reference architectures and technical baselines for structural design and analysis toolchains, spanning metallic and composite components
Translate engineering and business needs into a prioritised backlog and delivery roadmap
Ensure end-to-end traceability from requirements through models, analysis and test correlation
Manage vendor relationships and lead technology evaluations for CAD/MBD platforms, FEA solvers, and composite analysis tools
Coordinate delivery across internal teams and suppliers, owning incident resolution and continuous service improvement
Support governance, data standards and audit requirements for structural evidence pathways
What We're Looking For
Must-have:
10+ years delivering digital engineering capabilities for Structural Systems (CAD/MBD, FEA, composites/metallics, loads, fatigue and damage tolerance)
10+ years in aerospace and/or defence programmes, with understanding of airworthiness and regulatory frameworks
Strong grasp of model-based engineering and digital thread principles
Experience managing multi-partner and supplier integration in complex programmes
Degree in Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline
ITIL or equivalent service management experience
APM, Prince2 or demonstrable complex delivery management experience
Active SC clearance or eligibility
Nice-to-have:
SAFe or similar Agile delivery experience
Understanding of airworthiness practices for structural substantiation (strength, stiffness, fatigue, damage tolerance)
Knowledge of topology optimisation, multiscale composite modelling, or welding/fastening analysis
Comfort operating with ambiguity in a fast-evolving delivery environment
What's On Offer
£550-600 per day
Hybrid working, Reading based, with flexibility around office days
6-month initial contract on a large-scale, long-running aerospace/defence programme
Genuine build mandate, this is capability ownership from day one, not maintaining someone else's system
Direct exposure to certification and airworthiness evidence, valuable domain experience for senior engineering technologists