Principal Mechanical Stress Engineer

Job Description:

Your impact

Do you possess skills in the analysis of mechanical structures?

If so, this may be a great opportunity to consider: You’ll work at the heart of multidisciplinary project teams, advising and ensuring our products meet demanding environmental and operational requirements.

As a Stress Engineer, you will play a key role in the development and production of leading-edge defence products within land, naval, seeker and space domains supporting both new innovations and proven legacy products.

You will be responsible for conducting stress analysis, communicating the results and advising on all aspects of structural engineering activities. The role will involve working with multi-discipline project teams and our customers across the UK.

What you’ll do as a Principal Stress Engineer:

• Analyse and assess mechanical designs for strength, durability, performance and safety against regulatory and customer requirements using finite element techniques and classical hand calculations.
• Support the selection of manufacturing technologies and aerospace materials based on a sound understanding of material physical and mechanical properties and the mechanical fit, form and function of the product.
• Take ownership of all stress related activities for particular projects through all stages of the product lifecycle for concept to production and beyond.
• Technical stress authority and signatory for document approval.
• Develop and maintain common processes and procedures relating to stress engineering activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislative, regulatory and contractual requirements (based on recognised military/civil standards).
• Line of Business lead and point of contact for projects, advising on all aspects of stress and structural dynamics throughout the product lifecycle.
• Liaise with other UK sites to maintain a consistent approach to stress engineering.
• Supply support and guidance to more junior members of the Mechanical Team.

What we need from you:

Essential:

• Degree qualification in a relevant engineering or science-based course – Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or Aeronautical Engineering.
• Proven experience in the use of Finite Element Analysis software tools (preferably Siemens NX/Nastran) and techniques.
• Working evidence on the application of a wide range of classical hand calculation techniques for static and dynamic loading conditions, fatigue and fracture assessment (Land, Naval or Airborne equipment).
• Experience of environmental test methods for design verification and working knowledge of design certification for land based and airborne equipment.
• Ability to communicate with and influence the direction of both internal and external customers.
• A proven problem solver with a practical, pragmatic approach.
• Ability to take ownership of work packages, planning and scheduling own workload and the work of others.

Desirable:

• Professional recognition as a Chartered Engineer and full membership of a relevant engineering institution (e.g. IMechE) is preferred.
• It is advantageous for the candidate to have experience in the design, development and test of electronics packaging and/or aerospace equipment.
• Experience of manufacturing and joining techniques, engineering material properties.
• Experience in Thermal Analysis techniques and tool sets (IcePak, Siemens NX).
• An understanding of the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
• The knowledge and experience to progress and become an approved signatory for airworthiness / structural integrity and a named individual on the UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Design Approved Organisation Scheme (DAOS).

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Working Pattern: Onsite regularly, up to 5 days a week (37 hours standard work week, overtime if approved by project and employee) to delivery security classification and role specific tasks for projects. The company allows hybrid working so working from home is possible when project work allows.

Basildon is the primary location option but Southampton or Bristol is possible.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) and ITAR may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now

#LI-AP1