Mechanical Analysis Engineer

Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom
Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including above and sonar, electronic combat, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of aerospace, defence, security and space. Your health and wellbeing matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Mechanical Analysis Engineer

Location: Templecombe (Minimum 3 days onsite)

Thales Underwater Systems (UWS) who design, develop and support Sonar Systems applications for anti‑submarine warfare and mine hunting, have a fantastic opportunity for a Mechanical Analysis Engineer to join a close‑knit, friendly and hardworking team.

The role may include, but not be limited to the following activities:

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• To carry out mechanical design and stressing / structural activities in a team environment with other engineers.
  
• Work collaboratively with production and procurement to produce cost effective, easy to manufacture design solutions.
  
• Provide support to the preparation of detailed estimates and bids.
  
• Provide support to production as required.
  
• Trials and integration support as required.
  
• To review suppliers’ Finite Element Analysis (FEA) material as required.
  
• To develop and agree a development plan with the discipline lead and then take responsibility for following the development plan and requesting assistance as needed.
  

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• Ability to tackle a wide range of structural problems including: Linear, Non Linear, Statics, Dynamics, Buckling, Fatigue, Contact, Impact, hydrostatic pressure loading, analysis using standard methods such as hand calculations and FEA.
  
• Fundamental understanding of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering principals.
  
• General understanding of Engineering Development lifecycles.
  
• Good interpersonal skills.
  
• Proactive “can‑do” mentality.
  
• Ability to work in a team environment.
  
• Microsoft Office suite experience.
  
• The individual will be expected to demonstrate a level of autonomy.
  
• A logical approach to problem solving is required.
  

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• Use of the MSC Analysis tools, specifically Patran, Nastran and Dytran, and/or Ansys tools, specifically Mechanical and LS‑DYNA.
  
• Mechanical stressing with a demonstrable use of a wide range of material models including: Isotropic, Orthotropic, Anisotropic, metals, composites, elastomers.
  
• Proficient in the use of a 3D CAD system.
  
• Strong demonstrable experience of Mechanical Design Roles, including at least a subset of the following:
  
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  • Packaging of electronics and associated cabling.
    
  • Designing for platform installation. Ship / submarine.
    
  • Designing of assembly and mould tooling.
    
  • Designing of lifting equipment.
    
  • Producing key point manufacturing drawings in support of machine from model.
    
  • Producing detailed manufacturing and assembly drawings.
    
  • Providing support to the preparation of design requirements.
    
  
  

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• Fluid structure interaction.
  
• Shock (Underwater Related).
  
• Thermal management (use of CFD tools useful but not essential).
  
• Carry out basic structural FEA using CREO Simulate.
  
• Use of the MSC Analysis tools, specifically Marc, Apex and Patran Laminate Modeller.
  
• Proficient in the use of CREO & PDMLink.
  
• Key areas of design for which previous experience would be beneficial, include:
  
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  • The design of sonar assemblies and equipment for the sub‑sea environment.
    
  • The design of deployment systems.
    
  • Design processes involving moulding of polyurethane, epoxy and other resins.
    
  • The design of composite structures and sonar domes.
    
  • The design / specification of sub‑sea cable assemblies.
    
  
  

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• HNC / HND / Degree in Mechanical/Mathematics/Physics Discipline OR Proven experience in a similar role.
  

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a sole UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non‑ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

We’re committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you’ll have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.

Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

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• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm
  
• Hybrid working
  
• Pension Scheme
  
• 28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)
  
• Life Cover
  
• Progression and Development Opportunities
  
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
  
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
  
• Development focused targets and relocation support can be provided if required along with a variety of learning, development and career enhancement opportunities.
  

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

#LI-RS1

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!