Structures Analysis and Test Engineer

We are looking for an experienced structures engineer to support in the analysis and test of the Orbex Prime Structures. You will perform, validate and document structural analysis using FEA and hand calculations for composite and metallic component and assemblies as well as Provide practical support to hardware development and testing as required.

About Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €85m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting-edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

To work with Orbex You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse, and multicultural environment. Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

The Position

Role and Responsibilities:

• Perform, validate and document structural analysis using FEA and hand calculations for composite and metallic component and assemblies.
• Work with the design team to iterate concepts using appropriate sizing and optimisation methods to enable a ‘design by analysis’ approach.
• Working from high level requirements define analysis and test plans.
• Provide practical support to hardware development and testing as required.

• Educated to degree level or higher in an Aerospace/Mechanical engineering or equivalent

• At least 4 years demonstrable industry experience in the analysis of mass efficient structural parts for high performance applications typified by aerospace, defence and motorsport. 
• Proficient in one or more industry standard FEA packages (preferably FEMAP-Nastran or Hypermesh-Optistruct)

• Ability to use CAD system with an emphasis geometry preparation for analysis.
• Proactive and strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Adaptable and able to work across multiple concurrent workstreams

• Experience of composite structural analysis for aerospace applications including highly loaded mechanical and adhesively bonded joints.
• Working knowledge of linear, non-linear, thermo-elastic, buckling, modal, sinusoidal and random vibration analysis methodologies as applicable to aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of composite failure theories and their application to structural analysis
• Experience designing and/or analysing COPVs or composite pressure structures.
• Experience in design, search, and optimisation workflows for structural development.
• Familiarity with industry standards and references (e.g. MIL-HDBK-5/17, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001, GSFC-STD-7000)
• Experience in materials and structural testing, characterisation and allowables development.
• Good MS office skills and experience generating technical reports with this toolset. 
• Basic proficiency with one or more programming languages for the purpose of data processing, E.g. Python, Matlab, Perl, VBA, etc. 

Personality

Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.

It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non technical team members.

You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.

Location

This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check. 

Benefits

For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:-

• Competitive salary
• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful. 
• Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security, but we are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required which includes a relocation allowance and 1 month of temporary accommodation in the local area.
• Company Cycle to Work scheme and Life Insurance