Blast & Fire Structural Analysis Engineer – Nuclear

ALTEN Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consulting firm in Derby is seeking a Blast & Fire Structural Analysis Engineer to conduct advanced assessments for high-consequence projects in the nuclear sector. Candidates should have a PhD or Master's in a relevant field and proven experience in structural analysis. The position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, supporting career development and innovative engineering projects.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Cycle‑to‑work scheme

Flexible way of working

Social atmosphere and team buildings

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fire and blast structural analysis or seismic response assessment.
• Strong capability in FEA and hand calculations for load and stress verification.
• Experience developing calculation methodologies and applying engineering judgement.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural assessments under blast, fire, and seismic loading conditions.
• Conduct hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate stress, strain, and deformation.
• Produce and present technical reports and substantiation documents.

Skills

Structural Integrity & Analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Mathcad

Analytical collaboration

Engineering judgement

Education

PhD or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LS-DYNA

ABAQUS

Job description

ALTEN UK is seeking a Blast & Fire Structural Analysis Engineer to support advanced mechanical and structural integrity assessments on high-consequence projects within the nuclear sector.

Responsibilities

• Structural Integrity & Analysis – Perform detailed structural assessments under blast, fire, and seismic loading conditions, ensuring compliance with safety and performance requirements.
• Conduct hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate stress, strain, and deformation behaviours.
• Develop and validate calculation templates from scratch, demonstrating sound engineering judgement where standards are limited (e.g., MOD blast criteria).
• Assess equipment response and load paths, ensuring robust and reliable structural performance.
• Technical Modelling & Tools – Utilise advanced analysis tools including Mathcad (essential) and LS‑DYNA (advantageous) for complex dynamic simulations.
• Support CFD‑based studies relating to flow‑induced and acoustic‑induced vibration where applicable.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate analytical outcomes into broader engineering design and verification processes.
• Safety, Verification & Compliance – Contribute to structural safety justifications in line with UK regulatory requirements and defence/nuclear industry standards.
• Apply principles of fire and blast resilience, seismic load response, and progressive collapse prevention.
• Produce and present technical reports and substantiation documents to clients, regulators, and internal design authorities.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about engineering.
• Result-oriented.
• Proactive.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace Engineering (or related field).
• Proven experience in fire and blast structural analysis or seismic response assessment.
• Strong capability in FEA and hand calculations for load and stress verification.
• Expertise in Mathcad (essential) and familiarity with LS‑DYNA, ABAQUS, or similar software.
• Experience developing calculation methodologies and applying engineering judgement beyond established standards.
• Working knowledge of UK or MOD design standards and nuclear/defence regulatory frameworks.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with flow‑induced or acoustic‑induced vibration (CFD knowledge beneficial).
• Familiarity with equipment qualification and shock/vibration testing.
• Exposure to export‑controlled projects (DOE 810) – candidates without restrictions preferred.

Benefits

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with premium customers.
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
• A competitive salary.
• Private medical insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings.
• Flexible way of working (role dependent).

Additional Information

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities. We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies. We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.

Location: Derby, United Kingdom

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Consulting

Industry: Software Development and IT Services, IT Consulting