Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering simulation, design, and consultancy services, supporting clients across highly regulated and technically demanding industries including Nuclear, Aerospace, Energy, and Defence, both in the UK and internationally.
Our expertise covers the full spectrum of structural analysis from first principles engineering judgement and hand calculations, through static and nonlinear FEA, to advanced 3D dynamic, fatigue, fracture, and shock analyses. We pride ourselves on applying the right level of analytical fidelity to deliver robust, practical, and commercially relevant solutions for our clients.
Our technical work covers everything from using experienced judgement, simple hand calculations and static FEA, through to detailed 3D dynamic and shock analyses. We are always mindful of the need to use the appropriate level of analysis fidelity and a suitable approach so that we produce practical solutions for our clients
As part of the global Element Materials Technology Group, we also support Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) programmes worldwide, working closely with Element laboratories. This provides unique exposure to real-world structural failures, test-driven investigations, and product qualification challenges.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head of Capability Structures to lead, shape, and grow our structural analysis capability.
This senior leadership role combines technical authority, people development, and strategic capability growth, while remaining hands-on with challenging client projects. As a Principal Engineer, you will be a trusted technical leader for both clients and colleagues, acting as an approver for critical analyses and technical deliverables.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about structural integrity, engineering excellence, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement technical standards, policies, and analysis frameworks to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all outputs
Project Delivery & Technical Authority
Structural design and assessment
Stress and fatigue analysis
Fracture mechanics and crack growth
Thermo-mechanical behaviour and contact modelling
Provide technical oversight, document review, and approval for client deliverables
Act as a senior technical interface with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders
People Development & Mentorship
Mentor, coach, and develop junior and mid-level engineers
Support the growth of technical leaders within the business
Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and engineering excellence
Business Development & Client Engagement
Support and lead business development activities, including:
Identifying and sourcing new opportunities
Developing winning proposals and bids
Leading technical discussions with customers and partners
Represent Element through conferences, publications, and industry forums
Build and maintain strong client relationships across highly regulated sectors
Values & Culture
Actively contribute to and promote Element’s core values:
Care | Integrity | Progress
Engage positively within a multi-disciplinary, innovative engineering team
Qualifications & Professional Status
Significant experience with industry-standard tools such as:
ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, CalculiX
Demonstrated ability to extend solver capability via user subroutines or scripting
Proficiency or working knowledge of:
Python, MATLAB, VBA, C#, or C/C++
Leadership & Communication
Confident technical leader with the credibility to guide teams and clients
Experience mentoring engineers and supporting leadership development
Strong communicator with a customer-focused mindset
Ideally able to demonstrate a strong professional network within regulated industries
Why Join Element Digital Engineering?
Your Benefits Package
Allocated annual budget for training & professional development
Institution and chartership fees fully paid
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Performance-related bonus scheme
25 days annual leave + 8 UK bank holidays
Life insurance
Free refreshments and snacks in the office
Access to diverse, technically challenging projects across global industries
A supportive, values-driven culture that encourages innovation and growth
Make an Impact
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of structural analysis capability within a globally respected engineering organisation, while continuing to work on some of the most challenging and rewarding engineering problems in industry.
If you are driven by technical excellence, leadership, and real-world engineering impact, we would love to hear from you.
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.