Lead Design Engineer - Aerospace

Hays; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the aerospace sector is seeking a Lead Design Engineer to oversee the design and support of actuation products. The role involves collaboration with clients and mentoring junior engineers, ensuring high-quality engineering solutions throughout the product lifecycle. Candidates should possess a strong engineering background, preferably in mechanical or aerospace engineering, and have experience in regulated industries.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background required.
• Proven experience in aerospace engineering.
• Mentoring capabilities for junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and support activities for actuation products.
• Collaborate with internal and external customers.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

DFMEA

FEA

Job description

Lead Design Engineer - Aerospace

Position: Lead Design Engineer

Reports to: Head of Actuation Products, UK

Responsible for: Hydromechanical Design

Location: Cheltenham or Deeside (office-based)

Working Pattern: Nominally 37 hours per week over 4 or 5 days; additional hours may be required to meet business commitments.

Travel: Occasional travel within the UK and overseas to customers or other company sites. Language Skills: English required, with knowledge of additional languages being desirable.

Role Purpose: This position involves leading the design and support activities for actuation products, including hydraulic and electro-mechanical systems. The role spans the entire product lifecycle, from New Product Introduction (NPI) to supporting and modifying in-service products for high-profile aerospace programs and clients. The role also entails mentoring junior team members by sharing technical knowledge and expertise to foster their growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and modify design documentation.
2. Collaborate with internal and external customers.
3. Design test rigs and equipment.
4. Interpret customer requirements and specifications.
5. Identify and communicate technical risks to project stakeholders.
6. Present technical solutions at both internal and external design reviews.
7. Lead cross-functional teams, resolving design issues, ATP failures, and customer returns or failures.
8. Support engineering changes using documentation control tools (e.g., Windchill).
9. Oversee and review the work of other engineers.
10. Mentor junior engineers.
11. Review and update design guides to reflect lessons learned and advancements in technology.

Technical Requirements:

1. A strong engineering background, typically supported by a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent qualifications/experience).
2. Proven experience delivering engineering designs in highly regulated industries, such as aerospace, with a good understanding of relevant standards and regulations.
3. Knowledge of reliability, safety, airworthiness, production methods, materials and processes, as well as stress and performance analysis.
4. Experience designing mechanical and/or hydraulic products, preferably in aviation, using 2D and 3D design tools such as SolidWorks.
5. Demonstrable experience designing gears and working with mechanical components, geometric tolerancing, processing, precision machining, castings, forgings, and metallic materials.
6. Familiarity with military and industry standards, as well as drivers for procurement, design for manufacture, production, and quality.
7. Proficiency in design and analysis tools (e.g., DFMEA, Mathcad, FEA).
8. Experience using problem-solving tools (e.g., 8D, 5Why, Lean tools).
9. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with mentoring capabilities.

Behavioural Skills:

• Demonstrates integrity, self-motivation, and a proactive approach.
• Drives continuous improvement and delivers innovative solutions.
• Collaborates effectively with cross-disciplinary teams to optimize design solutions.
• Maintains a commitment to delivering on schedule.