Chief Engineer

ZeroAvia; Kemble; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health and dental care

Mental health support

Free lunch and healthy snacks

Sports clubs and hobby groups

Stock options

25 days holiday

Free EV Charging

Salary sacrifice schemes

Weekly spot bonuses

Income protection

Relocation support

Job summary

ZeroAvia, based at the UK headquarters at Cotswold Airport (Kemble), seeks a Chief Engineer to lead the maturation, testing and certification of a stand‑alone, multi‑platform fuel cell system for aerospace. You will direct engineering teams, ensure technical integrity, and drive delivery against programme milestones.

Requirements include 10+ years in technical leadership in aerospace, a relevant bachelor’s degree, and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of technical leadership experience in aerospace projects.
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical or comparable engineering discipline.
• Experience with Part 21J/21G, plus CS standards (CS 23/CS 25/CS E).
• Excellent spoken and written English; strong stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design work and participate in design reviews with Engineering Teams.
• Coordinate cross‑team design activity, training, and authorizations.
• Lead investigations, implement corrective actions, communicate progress to leadership.
• Mentor project teams and highlight risks to ensure milestone delivery.
• Maintain technical integrity and compliance with Design Organisation requirements.

Skills

Technical leadership

Interpersonal skills

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

Part 21J

Part 21G

Part 145

CS 23

CS 25

CS E

Job description

At ZeroAvia, we're accelerating the transition to zero-emission aviation through the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion. We are thrilled to share an opportunity to join our team as Chief Engineer to lead us through a pivotal stage in the development of our fuel cell system. We are looking for exceptional technical leadership to drive product maturity, manage complex engineering challenges and ensure successful execution against critical programme milestones.

Based at our UK headquarters at Cotswold Airport (Kemble), the Chief Engineer will lead the development, testing and certification of a stand-alone, multi-platform fuel cell system for aerospace applications. This role is accountable for maintaining technical integrity, providing strategic engineering leadership and ensuring delivery in accordance with ZeroAvia's Design Organisation requirements.

• Oversee all design work conducted by the Engineering Teams, participate in Design Review meetings, as appropriate.

• Manage design work and coordinate between teams for their projects, overseeing resources and personnel, both internal and external, to ensure appropriate training and authorizations are in place.

• Support investigations and implement corrective actions in response to reported defects or failures related to their projects, as directed by the HDO or the initiating party.

• Keep the senior managers informed about progress and issues related to their projects, ensuring project teams use best practices and providing guidance and mentoring when needed.

• Identify and highlight any risks that could impact successful project delivery, maintain records of project progress, and ensure forward visibility of deliverables and key milestones.
  Experience and qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in technical leadership role in similar responsibilities in the aerospace industry

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical or comparable engineering discipline and commensurate depth of technical experience.

• Experience in Part 21J, Part 21G, Part 145, CS 23, CS 25, CS E, standards and processes

• Excellent interpersonal skills and level of spoken and written English,

Why Join Us?

We want to help you be your best self, at work and at home, that's why we provide our employees with…

• Private health and dental care- get access to services and support when you need them. Add your family members too.
• Mental health support- enjoy a culture where positive mental health is front of mind with our trained Mental Health First Aiders, Employee Assistance Programmes and wellbeing support.
• Free lunch and healthy snacks- keeping you fuelled up so you can help us deliver the technology of the future**
• Sports, games and culture clubs- connect and keep fit with other ZeroAvians by joining one of our clubs - such as, running, cycling, padel, trivia, theatre and gardening.

We also offer:

• Stock options- so you can share in our success.
• 25 days holiday, plus public holidays and additional days awarded for long service- to help you manage your work-life balance.
• Free EV Chargingand membership in our EV Club.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemesfor EV Club, Curry's Tech and Cycle to Work
• Weekly Spot Bonusesto reward excellence.
• Income Protection and Legal Supportfor peace of mind.
• Relocation Supportto make your move seamless.

Diversity and Inclusion

As an emergent company shaping the aviation industry, we know that diversity fuels success and unlocks potential. We embrace being an equal-opportunity employer and actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds. We value the multitude of skills, perspectives, and mindsets everyone can bring to the table. These experiences ignite creativity, originality, and growth. We proudly reject discrimination in all forms, including that based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.