Senior Mechanical Engineer - Dynamics & Fatigue
Calibre Search
Rail Infrastructure | Advanced Structural Dynamics | FE Analysis
Are you an engineer who enjoys solving genuinely complex structural dynamics problems rather than routine design work?
We're looking for a Structural or Mechanical Engineer to lead the dynamic substantiation of a critical Cable Management System (CMS) installed within a high-speed rail tunnel.
This is a rare opportunity to work on one of the UK's most technically demanding infrastructure projects, tackling complex vibration, fatigue and finite element analysis where the engineering solution is driven by first principles rather than standard calculations.
The Opportunity
The Cable Management System is subjected to aerodynamic pressure loading generated by trains travelling at speeds of up to 360 km/h.
Unlike conventional vibration problems, the loading isn't driven by a single resonant frequency. Instead, you'll be analysing a broadband excitation spectrum where dynamic response, modal behaviour and fatigue performance all play a critical role in demonstrating design compliance.
You'll take ownership of the engineering assessment from analytical modelling through to technical justification, ensuring designs are robust, code-compliant and capable of standing up to client and third-party technical review.
What You'll Be Doing
You'll be responsible for:
- Leading modal analysis of cable management supports and brackets to optimise structural dynamic performance.
- Developing PSD-based random vibration and response spectrum analyses using aerodynamic loading data.
- Performing fatigue assessments of welded steel structures in accordance with BS EN 1993-1-9 (Eurocode 3).
- Assessing damping assumptions and their influence on dynamic amplification.
- Validating analytical models against measured in-situ vibration data and time-history records.
- Producing high-quality technical reports that clearly justify assumptions, methodologies and engineering decisions.
- Responding to technical queries and presenting findings during design reviews.
About You
You'll be someone who enjoys complex analytical engineering and understands the importance of combining theoretical modelling with practical engineering judgement.
Ideally you'll have:
- A degree in Structural, Mechanical or Civil Engineering.
- Chartered Engineer status (or be actively working towards it).
- Strong experience undertaking modal analysis of steel structures or support systems.
- Excellent knowledge of fatigue design to Eurocode 3 Part 1-9.
- Experience carrying out PSD, random vibration or response spectrum analysis.
- Good understanding of structural damping and dynamic response.
- Experience using finite element software such as ANSYS, Abaqus or equivalent.
- Previous exposure to rail, infrastructure, aerospace, offshore or other dynamically loaded structures would be highly advantageous.
Why Join?
This isn't a production design role.
You'll be working on a technically challenging engineering problem where vibration behaviour, structural dynamics and fatigue assessment sit at the centre of the project. The work combines advanced finite element modelling, measured field data and engineering judgement to solve a real-world infrastructure challenge.
If you're looking for a position where your technical expertise genuinely influences the design of nationally significant infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Calibre Search for a confidential discussion.
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