Are you thinking of applying for our Structural Analysis Engineer vacancy? We spoke with Daniel to understand the role of a Structural Analyst at Sellafield Ltd.

We have recently launched a vacancy for Structural Analysis Engineer to join the team – when did you join?

I joined Sellafield Ltd 6 years ago and I have always had an interest in science, I studied Mathematics, Physics, & Geography at A Level, before completing a MEng degree in Civil & Structural Engineering.

What does your job involve?

We are the first contact within the company for structural analysis and engineering support on earthquake engineering and structural dynamics, including blast, impact, and other vibration problems.

Our primary tool is Finite Element Analysis (FEA), but we also use simpler mathematical models based on fundamental principles of structural mechanics.

Structural Analysis Team isn’t just lots of people all doing the same job, there is a wide variety of work from all over the business from creating large models for a major project, to assisting the decommissioning teams in crane safety cases.

Additionally, our team provides intelligent client support for structural analysis work carried out by our supply chain.

What is a typical day like in your role?

There is no typical day, our work continuously varies depending on the business needs from writing calculations and developing models, to providing technical assistance to design teams.

We also train graduates on regular placement in the team and provide development support to other trainees within our community.

How did you get into your current job role?

I completed the Sellafield Ltd graduate scheme and worked for a few years in structural design before moving over to the analysis section.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Utilising problem-solving skills to deliver tasks, along with the regular intensive training, including participating in national conferences, to keep up with the developments in the industry. We are continuously improving and are given plenty of opportunities to develop our knowledge and skills base.

What is the hardest part of your job?

Thinking outside of the box to provide fit for purpose design solutions for our clients. We are often presented with challenging briefs and must propose innovative solutions to resolve them.

Why did you decide to pursue this career?

I have always enjoyed mathematics and physics, so a career in Engineering seemed an ideal combination of both. I have always preferred the technical side of engineering, particularly the work which the analysis team undertakes.

What can this type of job lead on to?

There are various career paths based on your talents and aspirations. People from this team have gained promotions to all areas within the Design Engineering community.

We are also part of the Engineering Design Career Pathway, which provides a clear progression and development path to further roles within the community.

What advice would you give to somebody considering this role as a career?

The analysis team can be a brilliant career itself, with most of my colleagues have worked in the team for more than 10 years. It gives transferable engineering skills valid in both Sellafield Limited and the wider nuclear industry.

If Daniel’s blog has helped answer any questions you have about the role please visit our careers page to see the vacancy in full detail. https://careers.sellafieldsite.co.uk/vacancies/civil-structural-engineer-structural-analysis/