Research jobs in United States

Title: Dynamic Hazards Specialist (Structural)

Salary range: £37,000 to £60,000 per annum depending on experience

Location: Leatherhead, Bristol, Burton or Glasgow

Working Pattern: We operate a flexible hybrid working pattern at Frazer‑Nash, with time split between the office and working from home.

Are you interested in applying your hazard analysis skills to structural challenges? Frazer‑Nash Consultancy is looking for talented Engineers and Consultants keen on the assessment of structures to resist extreme dynamic loads such as impact, blast, fire, and seismic loads – often associated with the safety and security of essential assets in sectors including Energy, Defence, Space, Nuclear, and Transport.

We have an opportunity for a proactive and diligent Engineer to join our UK Built Environment team, where we use our expert knowledge to characterise hazards and develop technical assessments and bespoke solutions for our clients.

Your role will be dependent on your experience and skill set but will support projects across a wide range of disciplines, with a focus on structural assessment, risk and hazard analysis using empirical methods, finite element models, fluid mechanics models, and working from first principles. There is an expectation for regular interaction with clients to identify their needs, develop relationships, and provide ongoing value, nurturing further project opportunities.

• Nuclear energy (new build, operational fleet and decommissioning)
• Nuclear defence (infrastructure design, substantiation and assurance)
• Renewables (onshore solar, offshore wind)
• Process industries (chemical, hydrogen production)
• Transport (rail, marine)

• Concept development and feasibility analysis
• Civil and structural design and verification code assessments (e.g., Eurocode, ASCE, AISC) through software and hand calculations
• Hazard assessment (seismic, blast, fire performance modelling) and validation studies or safety case development
• Structural analysis and substantiation of structures subject to extreme dynamic loads:
• Explosion / Blast / Impact withstand assessment
• Fire and explosion risk assessment
• Fire load response analysis
• Vessel failure analysis
• Seismic analysis and qualification

• Lead and shape projects, including managing projects from scoping to delivery
• Engage directly with clients to define project needs and opportunities, and develop long‑term relationships
• Contribute to the development of capability relative to your specialism and own development of opportunities and workstreams in that space

• Communicate and coordinate with clients and consultants to ensure clear understanding of project goals and expectations.
• Coordinate, guide, and check the preparation of documents with colleagues and clients to meet quality standards.

• A master’s degree (or higher) in Engineering or a related discipline (physics, chemistry, mathematics) with demonstrated understanding of fundamental principles and problem solving.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, facilitating positive internal and client relationships. Excellent technical writing skills for engineering consulting applications and engineering/scientific problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong computer literacy with enthusiasm to learn new applications and packages.

• Working knowledge of industry software packages including ABAQUS, ANYSYS, LSDYNA, Autodesk Robot, Revit, and AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of programming languages.
• Desire to work on technically challenging, safety‑critical infrastructure projects.
• Interest or experience with client‑facing consultancy work.
• Collaborative growth mindset and willingness to work across disciplines.
• Demonstrable technical experience (relative to your time in industry) in:
• Code‑based assessment
• Use of structural tools
• Seismic or dynamic structural analysis
• Impact/Blast/fire modelling and substantiation
• Hazard Analysis and Requirement quantification
• Authoring or approval roles for Safety Case documentation

The Built Environment group operates to assure the safety of structures and assets subject to conventional and extreme hazards. Our integrated team establishes load conditions, structural responses, design solutions, testing programmes, substantiations and assurance against a variety of hazards. While our projects are challenging, the team promotes a collaborative and supportive environment, where knowledge is shared openly. We are always looking to improve – both technically and professionally.

Asset Integrity has a breadth of capability ranging from physical testing to design, research and advanced analysis. The purpose of the area is to support clients in understanding the life, degradation, integrity and performance of components, systems and assets from concept design to decommissioning. Your colleagues will have a wide range of backgrounds from fundamental materials science, strength of material research, stress engineering, testing and measurement, field‑based work and plant/facilities management and assessment. Therefore, if working across engineering disciplines to solve complex problems appeals to you, you would be a great fit. The Built Environment team specialises in withstand and assurance of structures for scenarios such as seismic, fire, blast, impact, life extension, modification and operational safety, with particular respect to interfaces between mechanical and civil assets.

Due to the nature of the work that Frazer‑Nash Consultancy undertakes, candidates will be required to undergo pre‑employment screening and must satisfy clearance criteria for UK National Security Vetting.

• Competitive salary with yearly reviews
• 25 days holiday + the opportunity to buy 5 days
• Company culture that values work‑life balance
• Happy to talk flexible working
• Enhanced parental benefits
• Company pension scheme
• Targeted professional development
• Life assurance
• Private healthcare membership
• Bonus scheme linked to company performance
• Paid membership fees to a professional institution
• Support in attaining professional membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season rail ticket loan
• Further optional benefits tailored to your personal requirements