Mechanical Engineer – Blast & Structural Response

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

As a Mechanical Engineer  , you will join Derby/ Warrington/ Manchester  team to support our activities within the Nuclear sector. 

You will contribute to high-integrity engineering assessments involving blast loading, fire response, and extreme structural events, working on complex systems where engineering judgement is required beyond standard design codes. The role combines analytical hand calculations with advanced numerical modelling to support design assurance in regulated environments.

You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to evaluate equipment response, verify load paths, and develop robust engineering methodologies for challenging scenarios.

• Location: Derby/ Warrington/ Manchester
• On Site: 2 times per week 
• Clearance: BPSS 
• Experience Level: 3-10 YOE 

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform structural and dynamic analysis for blast, fire, and extreme loading scenarios
• Conduct hand calculations and develop reusable engineering calculation templates
• Carry out finite element analysis (FEA) to assess equipment and structural response
• Evaluate seismic loading, load paths, and structural integrity
• Apply engineering judgement in areas where formal standards are limited
• Support CFD-related assessments such as flow-induced and acoustic-induced vibration
• Produce high-quality technical reports and engineering justification documents
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams on safety-critical design decisions

Required Skills:

• Strong background in mechanical engineering and structural analysis
• Priority experience in fire and blast engineering
• Experience with seismic assessment and equipment response
• Advanced capability in Mathcad (essential)
• Experience with LS-DYNA or equivalent nonlinear FEA tools (desirable)
• Ability to develop calculation methods from first principles
• Strong analytical judgement in non-standard engineering scenarios

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in nuclear, power generation, or other safety-critical industries
• Knowledge of ONR safety principles, INPO guidance, or similar regulatory frameworks
• Experience in defence, nuclear, or other safety-critical industries
• Exposure to CFD methods relevant to vibration and dynamic loading
• Familiarity with export-controlled project environments

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.