Technology Development Lead - Aerospace

National Composites Centre; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading R&D facility in Bristol seeks a Technology Development Lead to drive strategic technologies within the aerospace sector. You will lead technology development initiatives, engaging with stakeholders and overseeing project delivery. The ideal candidate has a strong background in composites technology and project management, alongside an engineering degree. This hybrid role offers competitive salary packages, flexible working, and a focus on wellbeing and professional development.

Benefits

Annual salary reviews

Company paid private medical insurance

Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution

Qualifications

• Significant technical knowledge of composites technology.
• Experience of complex, industry-led multi-partner programmes.
• Management experience in a strategy and delivery role.

Responsibilities

• Head technology development programmes and create technology roadmaps.
• Support internal and external communication of technology activities.
• Provide technical oversight and support strategic relationships.

Skills

Technical knowledge of composites technology

Technical project management

Collaboration in R&D programmes

Engineering background

Education

Engineering Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Technology Development Lead – Aerospace

Location: Bristol based with Hybrid working

Salary: £64,122 - £77,183 Depending on Experience + Benefits

Closing Date: 25th January 2026 – We reserve the right to close this advert early if required.

About the role

As demand grows, we are expanding our Technology Team and recruiting a Technology Development Lead who will be accountable for the development of strategic technologies in support of the overall business strategic priorities.

This specific role will be to take responsibility for the technology development needed to support the growing Aerospace portfolio at the NCC. This pivotal role will help shape, specify and deliver the next generation of manufacturing technologies needed to support future aircraft programmes.

Reporting to the Head of Technology Development, your role will support the strategic relationships with key partners and stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, to ensure the NCC is well positioned at the creation stage of large, influential strategic initiatives. You will also be accountable for the delivery of identified projects and programmes in‑line with the defined strategic objectives to time, cost and quality in‑line with processes.

What you’ll be doing

• Head technology development programme/s (region and/or technology focused) utilising all relevant process and tools
• Help create technology roadmaps, in support of the NCC technology strategy
• Actively support the internal and external communication of technology activities and achievements
• Provide technical oversight, directly or in partnership with the relevant Chief Engineer or Technologist
• Support the NCC Technology Team in horizon scanning to identify strategic development prospects and/or partnership that can enable the NCC to mature existing, and/or foster nascent, market opportunities
• Support the NCC Strategy Team to ensure the wider NCC strategy and business planning is effective and reflective of changing landscapes and arising opportunities

So, what are we looking for?

We will prioritise applications with background in fields such as engineering, defence & related industries. Specific experience we will look for in your CV would include:

• Significant technical knowledge of composites technology, its development and application across multiple sectors
• Engineering Degree or equivalent industrial experience
• Strong Technical project management experience
• Experience of complex, industry‑led multi‑partner programmes involving private and public sector organisations
• Significant experience of collaborative R&D programmes in an interdisciplinary environment (academia and industry)
• Management experience in a strategy & delivery role within an innovation‑intensive industrial sector, consultancy, or public sector body

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working patterns as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

Unsure if you should apply? Got a quick question you wanted to check beforehand? Please feel free to reach out to the recruitment team – [e-mail].