Graduate FEA Analyst

JOB INFORMATION

Job Title: Graduate FEA Analyst 

Reporting to: Head of Technical Analysis

Department: Technical

Location: UK – Erdington, Birmingham

Working Hours: 37.5 Hours per week

Supervisory Responsibility: N/A

JOB PURPOSE

As a Graduate FEA Analyst, you will begin your engineering career within our Technical Analysis team, supporting the design, development, and certification of bias, radial, and retread aircraft tyres through the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Working alongside experienced analysts, you will receive structured training and mentoring to develop your technical knowledge, analytical skills, and understanding of aircraft tyre behaviour.

You will assist in producing high-quality simulation models and technical analysis to support engineering projects, while learning and applying our in-house analysis methodologies and best practices. As your experience grows, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of our simulation capabilities and standard working processes, collaborating with colleagues across design, testing, and manufacturing to compare simulation results with physical test data and improve confidence in predictive engineering methods.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in advanced engineering analysis within a supportive environment, building the technical skills and experience needed to become a specialist FEA engineer.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role, you will make an impact from day one by contributing to real engineering projects while developing the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to become a specialist FEA engineer. Through structured training, mentoring, and hands-on project work, you will support the analysis and development of aircraft tyres using advanced simulation techniques. Your responsibilities will include:

• Support the creation, modification, and maintenance of Finite Element (FE) models for bias, radial, and retread aircraft tyres under the guidance of experienced FEA engineers.
• Learn and apply in-house modelling techniques to represent tyre materials, including rubber compounds, reinforcement fabrics, and other structural components across a range of mechanical and thermal operating conditions.
• Assist in the development of high-quality finite element meshes and model assemblies, ensuring compliance with established modelling standards and best practices.
• Perform routine FEA simulations to evaluate tyre structural behaviour, including stress, strain, deformation, contact pressure, thermal performance, and other key performance characteristics.
• Support the generation of baseline tyre design predictions, including tyre weight, inflated profile, loaded dimensions, footprint characteristics, stiffness, and deflection behaviour, to assist the product design process.
• Analyse simulation results and compare them with laboratory and full-scale tyre test data to improve understanding of tyre behaviour and contribute to the validation of predictive models.
• Assist in investigating tyre performance and failure modes by interpreting simulation results alongside physical test evidence, helping to identify root causes and opportunities for design improvement.
• Contribute to the continuous development and validation of material models by comparing simulation predictions with measured static and dynamic material test data.
• Support the development and improvement of predictive analysis methodologies, including structural, thermal, contact, fatigue, wear, and foreign object damage (FOD) simulations, under the supervision of senior analysts.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and well-structured technical reports that summarise analysis activities, simulation results, engineering conclusions, and recommendations for internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with Design, Testing, Manufacturing, and Materials Engineering teams to understand project requirements and support engineering decisions through simulation-based evidence.
• Contribute to research and development activities involving new tyre designs, innovative materials, manufacturing processes, analytical techniques, and simulation technologies.
• Follow established engineering procedures, quality standards, and documentation practices while developing a strong understanding of aircraft tyre design, manufacturing processes, and product performance requirements.
• Develop proficiency in commercial FEA software, data processing tools, scripting, and internal engineering applications through structured training and practical project work.
• Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, project discussions, and knowledge-sharing activities, actively seeking opportunities to develop technical competence and engineering judgement.
• Manage assigned analysis tasks with support from senior team members, delivering work to agreed quality standards and project timescales while developing the ability to work with increasing independence.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Technical Analysis team's tools, methods, standard work, and engineering knowledge through learning, collaboration, and sharing of ideas.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role, as reasonably requested by Technical Department management.

PRINCIPAL MEASURABLES

• Deliver assigned analysis activities and project tasks to agreed timescales, supporting On-Time Delivery (OTD) > 95%.
• Produce accurate, high-quality technical work, achieving Right First Time (RFT) > 95% with appropriate guidance and review.
• Achieve project utilisation > 90%, demonstrating effective planning and management of assigned work.

EMPLOYEE STANDARDS

The incumbent will be expected to conduct themselves within the Dunlop Aircraft Tyres employee standards.

Collaborative – We are stronger together

• Active listening and effective communication
• Customer service and client management (internal & external)
• Networking and relationship-building
• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Teamwork and collaboration

Responsible – We all make a difference

• Positive work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond
• Initiative and self-motivation
• Accountability and responsibility
• Attention to detail and accuracy

Resilient – We stay the course

• Adaptation to change and agility in response to new situations
• Dependability and reliability

Open Minded – We strive to improve

• Problem solving & decision making
• Open-mindedness and willingness to learn
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm
• Respect for diversity & inclusion

EXPERIENCE

Any tyre or design or engineering industry experience will be considered as an added advantage (Not mandatory)

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have:

• Graduate degree in Aerospace or Automobile or Mechanical streams.

Should have:

• MSc in Aerospace or Automobile or Mechanical streams.

Could have:

• Engineering Industry Experience