Senior Structural Engineer

About the Role

The Structural Integrity Engineer (SIE) is a senior technical specialist who analyses, develops, and validates the mechanical integrity of complex structural systems across light‑weight and heavy‑weight platforms. The role encompasses metallic, non‑metallic, and composite materials, covering design, production, testing, and maintenance phases. Core responsibilities include damage‑tolerance, durability, and structural modelling across dynamics, loads, stability, stress fatigue and thermal analyses. The duty cycle uses a broad array of engineering tools, notably MSC Nastran, MSC Marc, Siemens Simcenter, Beta CAE, ANSA, and PTC Creo.

The Structural Integrity Engineer will be a Subject Matter Expert in structural analysis and integrity decision‑making, operating within the Structural Integrity Group, a sub‑function of the Engineering Department.

A key requirement of this role is the ability to obtain and maintain a high‑level security clearance. If you do not currently hold the required clearance, we can support you through the application process. DV Clearance will eventually be required for the role - applicants should either already hold a DV or being prepared to go through an application immediately.

This position will require an on-site presence in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

Core responsibilities will include:

• Developing and validating high‑fidelity finite‑element models for metallic, composite and hybrid structures.
• Executing static, dynamic, vibrational, thermal and fluid‑structure interaction analyses.
• Performing damage‑tolerance and fatigue assessments.
• Authoring concise strength‑summary reports and risk assessments that satisfy MoD and customer standards.
• Translating analysis outcomes into manufacturing instructions and inspection plans.
• Leading knowledge‑transfer workshops and maintaining model libraries.
• Championing process improvement through new software, material databases and automation scripts.
• Representing the Company at design reviews, client briefings and external audits.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

• Proven experience of industrial structural‑analysis experience on metallic and composite parts.
• BEng (Hons) in Mechanical/Aerospace or equivalent.
• Proficient in MSC Nastran and pre‑processors such as Patran, Apex, Simcenter, or ANSA.
• Experienced in static, dynamic, linear and non‑linear analyses.
• Skilled in hand‑based stress calculations and fatigue life prediction.
• Extensive experience modelling aluminium, titanium, steel and high‑strength alloys for both light‑ and heavy‑weight systems.
• Basic knowledge of composite lay‑up, ply‑by‑ply modelling and defect effects.
• Capable of drafting clear, concise strength‑summary reports and risk assessments.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with design, manufacturing, testing and quality teams.
• Skilled in scripting (Python, batch) and use of high‑performance computing to streamline analyses.
• Candidates must be able to undergo the process to achieve a Secret Clearance and be willing to go through the process to achieve a Developed Vetting Clearance.

What we offer you

At Lockheed Martin our employees come first and therefore your physical, mental and financial wellbeing matters to us. On top of working in a highly supportive, friendly, respectful environment you can expect so much more.

We are an employer in support of and offering Flexible working with the option to also work a 4 day week depending on business requirements, where you have the option of Fridays off.

Business Environment

Lockheed Martin (UK) Ampthill is a rapidly changing, dynamic part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation with both domestic and international customers. It consists of three business areas focusing on Vehicles, Special Projects and Mission Support, which provide a variety of products and services to the MoD and other customers including the Scout and support to the Land Environment Air Picture Provision capability. We are looking for talented individuals to join the company, in return, we can offer an exciting and challenging career path. Please note that Lockheed Martin Ampthill work an 8 day fortnight with the site closed every Friday.

Lockheed Martin recognises and actively promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief. Discrimination on any of these grounds is expressly forbidden. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruitment@global.lmco.com or call 02392 415270.