Lead Flight Test Engineer

DCS Engineering; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DCS Engineering seeks an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to drive flight test programmes across a varied fleet, reporting to the Flight Test Manager and coordinating with Design Office, maintenance and test pilots.

You will ensure compliance with UK CAA and other authorities, develop certification plans, produce technical reports, and manage safety and ALARP considerations on international deployments in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.

Qualifications

• 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 UK CAA Class 2 Medical requirements.
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.
• Strong leadership with ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• 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 related field.
• 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.

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 aviation authorities.
• Support certification and regulatory approval activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Technical reporting

Regulatory knowledge

Flight test planning

Risk management

Education

Degree in Engineering/Aerospace

Category 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification

Tools

Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI)

Data acquisition systems

Job description

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 aviation authorities.
• 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.
• 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.

What's on Offer

• 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.