Structural Integrity Engineer (FEA) - Submarines reference: JR6138032

Review: Structural Integrity Engineer (FEA) - A Promising Career Path at Rolls-Royce Submarines

For ambitious engineers looking to make a significant impact in a critical sector, the Structural Integrity Engineer (FEA) role at Rolls-Royce Submarines presents a compelling opportunity. This position offers a dynamic environment where your expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will be directly applied to ensure the safety and reliability of vital naval reactor plants. If you're passionate about structural integrity and seeking a role with tangible impact, this could be the next step in your career.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Engineers:

• Meaningful Impact: You will be at the forefront of structural integrity assessments, contributing to primary strength, fatigue, and fracture analyses. Your work will directly support a wide range of programmes, from ongoing in-service support to new builds and future advancements, ensuring the integrity of components that are fundamental to national security.
• Technical Depth and Breadth: This role offers an exceptional chance to hone your skills in both traditional hand calculation methods and sophisticated FEA techniques, primarily using Abaqus. You'll gain experience in linear and non-linear analyses, developing and implementing methodologies for submarine nuclear plant components.
• Continuous Learning and Development: Rolls-Royce is committed to your professional growth. The company fosters a digital-first culture that invests in its employees, providing a platform for continuous learning and access to a vast array of opportunities to advance your career.
• Collaborative Environment: You'll be working within a team that values agility, boldness, collaboration, and simplicity. This encourages a supportive atmosphere where ideas are shared and innovation thrives.
• Career Progression: The expanding Submarines business and the opening of a new office in Cardiff signal significant growth. This presents a fertile ground for career advancement and the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Beyond the exciting technical challenges, Rolls-Royce offers competitive salaries, excellent development opportunities, and a robust benefits package including bonuses, employee support assistance, and discounts.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Specialized Expertise: A strong foundation in structural integrity analysis, including experience with FEA (preferably Abaqus), is essential. Candidates with a good understanding of fundamental failure mechanisms and methods to assess them will find this role particularly rewarding.
• Safety-Critical Environment: This role operates within an industry where safety is paramount. Experience in environments where components are justified to safety cases and design code requirements (ASME III, R6) is highly valued and demonstrates your suitability for this stringent environment.
• Clear Communication: The ability to articulate complex technical assessments and their outcomes clearly and efficiently to diverse audiences, from senior leadership to industry partners, is a crucial skill.
• Security Clearance: A key requirement for this role is holding an unrestricted Security Check (SC) clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application process if you do not currently possess this.
• Nationality Requirement: Due to the nature of the work and asset protection, candidates must hold UK nationality. Dual nationals will undergo additional scrutiny.
• Academic and Practical Background: While a degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or mathematics is preferred, equivalent experience will be considered. Practical experience in generating and working with FEA models using industry-standard tools is a significant advantage.

In summary, the Structural Integrity Engineer (FEA) position at Rolls-Royce Submarines is an exceptional opportunity for technically adept and safety-conscious engineers. It offers the chance to contribute to a mission-critical sector, engage in challenging technical work, and benefit from a supportive and growth-oriented environment. If you meet the qualifications and are prepared for the responsibilities of working in a highly regulated and secure field, this role promises a rewarding and impactful career path.