Lead Flight Test Engineer

DCS Engineering; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International travel

Diverse fleet exposure

Career opportunities

Defence programmes

Job summary

DCS Engineering in Bournemouth seeks an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to drive flight test programmes for airborne EW and training systems. You will plan, execute and report tests across diverse aircraft under regulatory compliance, coordinating with design and maintenance teams.

The role is UK-based with international travel, requiring SC eligibility and a valid CAA Class 2 Medical. Expect collaboration with regulatory authorities and a focus on safety and certification.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple aircraft types.
• Flight Test Engineer qualification from a recognised training organisation.
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
• Able to meet UK CAA Class 2 Medical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe planning and delivery of UK/overseas flight test activities.
• Plan and conduct airborne and ground-based flight testing.
• Develop flight test strategies, plans and procedures.
• Work with Design Office during design and certification.
• Participate in design reviews and safety reviews.
• Develop and manage certification plans for flight tests.
• Produce high-quality flight test reports and documentation.
• Ensure flight test risks are ALARP; comply with aviation regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Flight test

UK Security Clearance (SC)

CAA medical eligibility

Technical reporting

Education

Engineering degree (BEng/BSc)

Tools

Flight Test Instrumentation

Job description

Lead Flight Test Engineer

£85,000 - £100,000 per annum

Bournemouth, Dorset

Full-Time | Permanent

We're looking for an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to join a leading aviation and defence organisation operating at the forefront of Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in the development, testing and certification of next-generation airborne Electronic Warfare systems while working alongside highly experienced aviation professionals on a diverse fleet of aircraft.

The organisation supports the UK Ministry of Defence, NATO allies and international defence customers by delivering advanced airborne Electronic Warfare capabilities and realistic operational training environments.

The Role:

Reporting to the Flight Test Manager, you'll lead the planning, execution and reporting of flight test programmes across a unique and varied fleet of aircraft.

Working closely with Design Office engineers, maintenance teams and test pilots, you'll oversee flight test activities from initial planning through to certification and final delivery. You'll also work directly with regulatory authorities to ensure all flight testing is carried out safely and in full compliance with applicable regulations.

This is a flying role. When not undertaking flight test activities, opportunities may also be available to support Operational Readiness Training missions as rear crew, depending on your experience and qualifications.

The position includes international travel and operational deployments across Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the safe planning and delivery of flight test activities in the UK and overseas.
• Plan and conduct airborne and ground-based flight testing.
• Develop flight test strategies, plans and procedures.
• Work closely with the Design Office throughout the design and certification process.
• Participate in design reviews and technical safety reviews.
• Develop and manage certification plans supporting flight test programmes.
• Produce high-quality technical reports and flight test documentation.
• Ensure flight test risks are managed to ALARP principles.
• Maintain compliance with UK CAA regulations and other applicable aviationauthorities.
• Support certification and regulatory approval activities.

About You

To be considered, you'll ideally have:

• Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple aircraft types.
• Qualified Flight Test Engineer from a recognised Flight Test Training Organisation.
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
• Able to meet the requirements of a CAA Class 2 Medical.
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable Skills:

• Category 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification.
• Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer.
• Degree (BEng, BSc or above) in Engineering, Aerospace or a related scientific discipline.
• Knowledge of UK, US and European military and civil aviation regulations.
• Experience with Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) and data acquisition systems.
• Background in Electronic Warfare (EW), RF systems or military aviation operations.
• UAS/RPAS experience.

What's on Offer:

• £85,000 - £100,000 salary, depending on experience.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge Electronic Warfare and defence programmes.
• Exposure to complex flight test and aircraft certification projects.
• International travel and deployment opportunities.
• Work across a diverse fleet of aircraft.
• Collaborative environment with highly experienced aviation professionals.
• Long-term career opportunities within a leading defence organisation.

This company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.