Senior Structural Engineer (FEA Specialist)
Location: Fareham
Hours: Full Time
Salary: Competitive depending on experience
Important – Please Read Before ApplyingApplications will only be considered if all screening questions are completed.Essential Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate:
- Significant experience in structural design and analysis within the marine, aerospace, defence, automotive, or similarly regulated engineering sectors.
- Advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience, including model creation, load definition, result interpretation, and validation.
- Proven ability to perform and validate structural calculations using hand calculations and engineering first principles.
- Strong understanding of composite and/or metallic structures, including structural behaviour, load paths, and failure modes.
- Experience working to recognised regulatory, certification, Class, or industry standards.
- Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance and the right to work in the UK.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Structural Engineer with a strong Finite Element Analysis (FEA) specialism to join our growing engineering team.
This is a key technical role where you will lead structural analysis and design activities across a range of innovative marine structures, including both composite and metallic designs. Working across the full product lifecycle—from concept development through to production support—you will ensure structural integrity, compliance, manufacturability, and performance for vessels up to 24 metres and beyond.
The role also offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the ongoing development of engineering best practices within the business.
Key ResponsibilitiesStructural Analysis & Design
- Deliver structural calculations and analysis for composite and metallic structures.
- Develop, run, and validate Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models, including load case development and results interpretation.
- Verify FEA outputs through hand calculations, engineering judgement, and rule-based assessments.
- Optimise structures for strength, stiffness, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
- Conduct feasibility studies and support early-stage concept development activities.
- Ensure compliance with relevant Class, Flag State, and regulatory requirements.
Engineering Delivery & Technical Support
- Provide technical support to production teams, resolving build and manufacturing queries.
- Support design reviews and engineering decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
- Contribute to structural design standards, methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Work closely with Naval Architecture, Design, Systems Engineering, and Production teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
Leadership & Mentoring
- Review and provide technical feedback on engineering calculations, analysis, and design work completed by junior engineers.
- Mentor and support the development of less experienced team members.
- Act as a subject matter expert for structural analysis and FEA within the engineering team.
Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Naval Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Proven experience in structural design and analysis within a complex engineering environment.
- Advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) capability.
- Strong understanding of structural mechanics, load paths, stress analysis, and failure mechanisms.
- Ability to perform and validate engineering calculations using first-principles methods.
- Knowledge of composite manufacturing processes such as infusion, prepreg, RTM, or similar.
- Experience working with certification bodies, regulatory frameworks, or classification societies.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Marine industry experience.
- Experience using Siemens NX, Simcenter, or equivalent FEA software packages.
- Composite laminate design and analysis experience.
- Structural optimisation and weight estimation expertise.
- Experience mentoring engineers or providing technical leadership.
- Chartered Engineer status or progression towards chartership.
What We're Looking For
- Excellent engineering judgement and attention to detail.
- A methodical and analytical approach to problem solving.
- Ability to manage priorities and deliver to project deadlines.
- Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- A collaborative mindset and commitment to engineering excellence.
- A proactive approach to mentoring and knowledge sharing.
Why Join Us?
- Work on cutting-edge marine engineering and technology projects.
- Be part of a highly skilled, collaborative engineering team.
- Opportunity to influence technical direction and engineering standards.
- Lead challenging and innovative structural engineering programmes.
- Develop your career through mentoring, leadership, and professional development opportunities.
What We Provide
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Additional annual leave after two years' service (up to five extra days).
- Holiday buy/sell scheme (up to five days per calendar year).
- Flexible working with core hours of 10:00–15:00 (subject to business requirements).
- Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover.
- Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution.
- Life Assurance (3x salary).
- Group Income Protection (subject to eligibility).
- Health Care Cash Plan.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Electric Car Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Professional membership reimbursement.
Security Clearance & Eligibility
Due to the nature of our work, many of our roles require UK nationality and the ability to obtain Security Clearance.
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon:
- Proof of the right to work in the UK.
- Meeting eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
- Successful completion of Government security checks.
Equal Opportunities
Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and provides equal opportunities for all applicants and employees, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or marital and civil partnership status.
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Fareham, Hampshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Have you been living in the UK for more than 5 years?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
