Obsolescence Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Boeing; West of England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Boeing Defence United Kingdom Limited is seeking an Obsolescence Subject Matter Expert (SME) to identify, assess and mitigate obsolescence risks across major programmes. You will work with engineering, supply chain and customer teams to develop through-life support strategies and ensure fleet availability.

The role requires a strong understanding of obsolescence management within a defence context, ability to analyse data, and clear communication to influence decisions and drive timely action.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for UK SC Security Clearance.
• Experience identifying and mitigating obsolescence risk across complex platforms or systems.
• Understanding of applicable standards, regulatory requirements and product support processes.
• Strong understanding of obsolescence management within a defence environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess and monitor obsolescence risks affecting hardware, software, components and support solutions.
• Develop obsolescence management strategies, mitigation plans and action recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, programme and customer teams to drive timely resolution.
• Analyse data to determine scale, urgency and operational impact of obsolescence issues.
• Prepare reports, briefings and technical outputs on obsolescence status and mitigation activity.
• Ensure obsolescence activities align with standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to through-life support planning by identifying risks to affordability, availability and sustainment.
• Liaise with UK and US stakeholders to share findings and coordinate actions.

Skills

Obsolescence management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in STEM

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Obsolescence Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Company: Boeing Defence United Kingdom Limited Boeing Defence United Kingdom (BDUK) is seeking an Obsolescence Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide specialist support in the identification, assessment, mitigation, and management of obsolescence risks across existing Boeing product platforms, primarily within Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing aircraft. This role will play a key part in ensuring product supportability and long-term fleet availability by helping to develop and deliver effective obsolescence management solutions that are aligned to customer requirements, regulatory standards, and Boeing’s wider through-life support strategy. At Boeing, we are innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore, and inspire. From the seabed to outer space, you will learn and grow while contributing to work that shapes the world.

BDUK is a subsidiary of The Boeing Company and currently employs over 1,400 people in the UK. We support a number of significant UK defence contracts, including E-7 AEW&C, P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Autonomous Systems, C4ISR Services, Chinook and Apache support, Logistics Information Services, and Training Services. The organisation is in a strong growth phase, with opportunities to influence and improve supportability across current and future programmes. The BDUK Engineering function operates within a matrix structure, with specialist departments providing technical expertise across programmes. This role sits within the Product Support Engineering Department, which includes the following technical areas: Reliability Centred Maintenance Analysis, Reliability and Maintainability, Logistic Support Analysis, Engineering Data Exploitation, Obsolescence Management, Technical Publications, Product Support Engineering.

Role Responsibilities

As an Obsolescence SME, your primary focus will be to provide expert support in managing obsolescence risk and ensuring continued product supportability throughout the lifecycle of the platform.

• Identify, assess, and monitor obsolescence risks affecting hardware, software, components, and support solutions.
• Provide subject matter expertise to develop obsolescence management strategies, mitigation plans, and action recommendations.
• Work closely with engineering, supply chain, programme, product support, and customer teams to understand impacts and drive timely resolution.
• Analyse data to determine the scale, urgency, and operational effect of obsolescence issues.
• Support the preparation of reports, briefings, and technical outputs relating to obsolescence status and mitigation activity.
• Ensure obsolescence activities are aligned with applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and internal processes.
• Contribute to through-life support planning by identifying risks to affordability, availability, and sustainment.
• Liaise with UK and US stakeholders to gather information, share findings, and coordinate obsolescence-related actions.
• Support continuous improvement in obsolescence processes, tools, and reporting.
• Assist with internal and external reviews, audits, and customer engagement as required.
• You may also have opportunities to support other programmes, business development opportunities, and wider engineering excellence initiatives as part of your ongoing career development with Boeing.

Basic Qualifications (Skills/Experience)

• Eligibility for UK SC Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain the necessary clearance
• Experience identifying and mitigating obsolescence risk across complex platforms or systems
• Understanding of applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and product support processes
• Strong understanding of obsolescence management within a support engineering or defence environment

Preferred Qualifications (Skills/Experience)

• Degree-level education in a relevant STEM subject
• Understanding of how obsolescence impacts supportability, availability, cost, and long-term capability
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, supply chain, programme, and customer teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite

What Boeing Offers You:

• Competitive salary and annual incentive plans
• Continuous learning - you’ll develop the approach and skills to navigate whatever comes next
• Success as defined by you - we’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way
• An inclusive culture - you’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs
• Excellent Adoption and Parental leave options
• 23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year
• Pension Plan with up to 10% employer contribution
• Company paid BUPA Medical Plan
• Short Term Sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks
• Long Term Sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from 27th week
• 6x annual salary life insurance
• Learning Together Programme to support your on-going personal and career development
• Access to Boeing’s Well Being Programs, tool and incentives
• Work Authorisation: This requisition is for a locally hired position in the UK. Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work immediately in the United Kingdom. Boeing will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labour sponsorship for any applicants. Benefits and pay are determined at the local level and are not part of Boeing U.S. based payroll.

Language Requirements: Not Applicable

Education: Not Applicable

Relocation: Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain United Kingdom Security Check.

Visa Sponsorship: Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program: This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift: Not a Shift Worker (United Kingdom)

Boeing is committed to protecting, connecting and exploring our world and beyond, safely and sustainably. From the seabed to outer space, you can contribute to work that matters with a company where diversity, equity and inclusion are shared values. We’re committed to fostering an environment that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive of every teammate, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.