Rig Design & Stress Engineer
Location: Filton, Bristol
Contract: Full‑time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday
The Role
We are seeking a Rig Design & Stress Engineer to join our growing Test Centre team in Filton. This is a newly created role, offering the opportunity to work on complex, high‑precision test rig design and stress analysis activities that directly support aircraft certification and structural testing programmes.
You will work closely with internal Testia teams, Airbus business units, suppliers, and external customers, contributing across the full lifecycle of test means from concept and design through to manufacture, assembly, and acceptance.
Key Responsibilities
Design and deliver test rig concepts to meet programme requirements for time, cost, and quality
Produce pre‑design 3D studies to support specification release
Perform detailed stress analysis, including hand calculations and FEM sizing
Develop detailed designs and data packs for manufacturing
Ensure robust configuration management of drawings and 3D data
Produce specimen interface drawings and ensure interface compliance with loading requirements
Lead work packages with external manufacturers and suppliers
Integrate electrical, measurement, and data acquisition system requirements
Act as the key technical interface with Airbus business units and external test customers
Support acceptance, assembly, and commissioning of test mean within the laboratory
Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery
Identify, manage, and mitigate technical risks and opportunities
Participate in Test Centre and regular team meetings
What We're Looking For
Experience in aeronautical structures design or equivalent high‑precision structural engineering (e.g. civil, marine, test rigs)
Strong 3D CAD capability using CATIA V5 and/or 3DXperience
Experience with stress calculations and checking (hand calculations and/or FEM tools)
Degree‑level education (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (Aerospace, Structures, Materials, Physics)
Fluent in English, written and spoken
Able to work independently with a structured, methodical approach
Strong team player with resilience and flexibility
What's On Offer
Flexible working hours with a supportive work‑life balance culture
Competitive Salary
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave
Competitive pension scheme
Discretionary bonus linked to company performance
Private Medical Insurance (employee cover)
Access to a discount shopping platform
Clear career progression opportunities within the Test Centre and wider Testia organisation
Why Join Testia?
You'll be joining a highly skilled team of engineers working on cutting‑edge aerospace testing programmes, with direct exposure to Airbus platforms and future technologies. This role offers genuine technical depth, visibility across major programmes, and long‑term development within a respected and growing organisation