Job description
Head of Structures
Location: Belfast
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Highly Competitive + Excellent Benefits
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Head of Structures to join an innovative engineering organisation at the forefront of composite and metallic structural design for advanced vessel and propulsion systems.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the structural design, analysis, and integrity of cutting-edge engineering projects, leading a highly skilled team and shaping best practices in design, performance, and certification standards.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Technical Director, the Head of Structures will lead the Structural Engineering Department, ensuring the delivery of innovative, high-performance solutions for complex marine and propulsion structures.
You will guide the team through the full lifecycle of structural development - from conceptual design and load case analysis through to detailed production engineering - working in close collaboration with mechanical, naval architecture, and manufacturing functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Structural Engineering Department, overseeing project planning, technical direction, and resource management.
- Establish and maintain engineering best practices, methodologies, and documentation standards.
- Drive innovation and deliver technically robust solutions for composite and metallic structures, including hydrofoils, hulls, and system integration.
- Conduct and review FEA, hand calculations, and structural verification to ensure compliance and performance.
- Oversee design approval processes and ensure adherence to internal and regulatory standards.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical, Design, and Manufacturing teams to optimise build methods, weight management, and production quality.
- Support technology roadmaps, functional briefs, and feasibility assessments for new structural concepts.
- Manage performance, mentorship, and professional growth of the structural team.
- Ensure all deliverables meet safety, certification, and quality standards across multiple projects.
About You
- Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Aerospace, Automotive, or Structural Engineering (2:1 or above).
- Minimum 10 years' experience in structural analysis and design, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
- Strong understanding of structural mechanics, first principles engineering, and design-for-manufacture principles.
- Proven experience working with composite and metallic materials, across component and system levels.
- Proficient in FEA and CAE tools with solid experience in CATIA (V6/3DX) or equivalent CAD platforms.
- Background in maritime, aerospace, or motorsport engineering is advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage multiple projects to tight deadlines.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Capable of translating complex requirements into practical, high-performing engineering solutions.
What's on Offer
- Competitive senior-level salary and performance-based package
- Private medical insurance and health cashback plan
- Group income protection and life insurance (3× salary)
- Pension scheme and wellbeing benefits
- Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
- 22 days annual leave plus 13 public/bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Regular social, family, and wellbeing events
- Genuine leadership opportunity within a world-class technology business driving innovation and sustainability
This is an outstanding opportunity for a visionary engineering leader to shape the future of structural design and innovation in composite engineering - playing a key role in advancing next-generation propulsion and vessel systems for a sustainable future.
If this role could be of interest or you would like to have a chat about any other roles available, click apply or reach out to karl.yellop@vanrath.com for a confidential discussion.
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