DE&S F-35 Structures Aeronautical Engineer

Defence Nuclear Enterprise; Bristol; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A major defense organization is seeking a Structures Aeronautical Engineer to provide engineering expertise within the Joint Strike Fighter Programme Office. Initially based in the UK, the role includes responsibilities for airframe integration, policy recommendations, and technical evaluations. Candidates must have a professional engineering registration and a STEM qualification at RQF Level 4 or above. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including enhanced parental leave and a strong pension package.

Benefits

Annual performance-based bonus

Market-leading pension contribution

25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days

Qualifications

• Professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Engineering Council.
• Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics qualification at RQF Level 4 or above.
• Experience in material science and/or structures is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Recommend policies for airframe and structural system interfaces.
• Manage systems-engineering documentation related to airframe integration.
• Evaluate technical proposals and provide recommendations.

Skills

Communication skills

Material science understanding

Systems engineering

Education

Professional registration as IEng or CEng

RQF Level 4 qualification in STEM

Job description

Looking for more than just a job? Step into a role where your work truly matters – join the world’s largest defence initiative and help shape the future, supporting and protecting the UK’s interests. The F‑35 Lightning aircraft is a 5th‑generation, multi‑mission combat aircraft with advanced sensors, mission systems and low‑observable technology. The Lightning Delivery Team brings together civilian and military personnel from a wide range of professions and locations to design, develop and integrate the airframe for the F‑35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Role Summary

As a Structures Aeronautical Engineer you will work within the Airframe Directorate of the Joint Strike Fighter Programme Office, providing engineering expertise across the full life cycle to define, evaluate and manage the physical and functional integration of the airframe. The role is full‑time overseas, based in Arlington, Virginia (with a 3‑year tour). Prior to relocation you will work in the UK (Bristol & RAF Marham) to gain a baseline understanding of the programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Recommend policies and practices for the development and procurement of airframe and structural system interfaces for weapon systems.
• Originate and manage systems‑engineering documentation related to airframe integration.
• Develop engineering specifications, contract data requirement lists and electronic data requirement agreement plans to ensure all integration requirements are met.
• Evaluate technical proposals and contract specifications, providing formal recommendations to engineering and programme office leadership.
• Organise and perform system‑integration technical reviews.
• Provide engineering design and development support to resolve fleet issues, ensuring the highest level of fleet safety and readiness.
• Act as the airframe representative at programme reviews, contact reviews, briefings and budget hearings, maintaining contact with engineering personnel, officials and contractors.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Engineering Council.
• Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics qualification at RQF Level 4 or above.
• Experience in material science and/or structures (desirable).
• Aso the role is open to UK nationals only; no dual citizenship or other nationality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver technical presentations.
• Capacity to travel regularly to Fort Worth, Texas and occasional travel to the UK.
• Specific technical competences: ECF 1.3 and ECF 3.1 (BCS practitioners).

Benefits

• Annual salary base of £46,400 with a Civil Service defined benefit pension contribution of 13,442.
• Annual leave of 25 days, increasing by one day each year up to 30 days, plus eight bank holidays and the King's birthday.
• Market‑leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97 %.
• Annual performance‑based bonus and recognition awards.
• Access to specialist training, funded qualifications and a range of discount schemes.
• Enhanced parental leave schemes and volunteering days.

Other Information

The position is part of the Production, Sustainment & Follow‑On‑Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Successful candidates must undergo a security check and a period of UK training (up to one month) before relocation. No relocation support is provided for the UK training. Candidates will be required to meet the legal requirement for a UK travel visa and the UK immigration rules.