Structural Finite Element Analyst

Job Introduction

Job Description for Structural Finite Element Analyst:

This is where your skills play a critical role in keeping everyone safe. Working in Safety, Security & Safeguards gives you the chance to make your mark on some hugely interesting projects. NNL does work that nobody else in the sector is doing, and this means we need experts like you to make it possible, whilst keeping everyone safe. We’re committed to using nuclear science to benefit society for years to come. This means that you can build a long and successful career here whilst playing a meaningful role in delivering cleaner energy, reducing waste and keeping colleagues and the public out of harm’s way.

NNL are looking to expand our existing team of engineers who perform structural analysis work to support our clients in the civil nuclear power industry.  The successful candidate will be required to carry out a wide range of structural integrity assessments using commercial finite element codes. This will include Impact Assessment Analysis, Fitness for Service, Fracture Mechanics and Remnant Life Assessments to appropriate British, American or European design codes.

The individual will be expected to manage all aspects of a technical project, which includes project delivery, commercial awareness and management of project staff. This role is client-facing so it is essential that applicants are able to demonstrate willingness and an ability to work directly with client engineers.

Role Responsibility

Main Responsibilities for Structural Finite Element Analyst:

• Structural Integrity assessments of new and existing nuclear plant and equipment.
• Numerical modelling and the use of commercially available Finite Element codes.
• Assessments to ASME III and relevant British Standards such as BS7910.
• Presentation of results to customers.
• Ability to think laterally to solve complex technical problems.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Criteria for Structural Finite Element Analyst:

• Suitable candidates will possess a good degree in Engineering, Maths or Physics and will have a strong understanding of fundamental engineering principles.
• Experience of linear and non-linear Impact assessment analysis using ANSYS, ABAQUS, LS-DYNA or equivalent.
• Experience of undertaking Structural Integrity assessments of safety critical structures/components to British, European or American design codes, such as ASME III.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to interface on a technical level with client engineers and stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).

Desirable Criteria for Structural Finite Element Analyst:

• Post-graduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in a relevant field is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Fracture Mechanics, Life Assessment, Damage Tolerance Assessments, and Fitness for Service Assessments using R5, R6, BS7910 or API-579.
• Familiarity with IAEA Transport Regulations.
• Familiarity with performing thermal assessments using finite element codes.

About the Company

Grounded in robust science and decades of experience, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is the authoritative voice in the UK and beyond for technological development within the nuclear power sector.

Our unparalleled understanding of the science, challenges and opportunities makes us an unrivalled authority and partner in the field, providing experts, technologies, and access to cutting-edge facilities to organisations around the world.

Harnessing potential technologies and translating them into to industry-ready solutions means our pioneering approach spearheads international improvement and technological progress.

We work on projects as small as drilling a hole to analyse underground wastes with our integrated micro drilling technology, or as large as developing state-of-the-art power systems for spacecraft, based on radioactive materials

NNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) where NNL aims to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures. We want you and the diverse mix of people that we employ, customers that we service and stakeholders that we influence to feel valued. We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging.

Recruitment Agency Notice

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for the provision of recruitment services. Only agencies on our PSL may provide CVs and only when the role is released to them by our recruitment team. We will not accept unsolicited CVs from suppliers not currently on our PSL. We explicitly reserve the right to add candidate details from unsolicited CVs from non-PSL agencies into our own candidate database and to pursue/hire such candidate(s) without any obligation, financial or otherwise, to the agency concerned.

National Nuclear Laboratory