Lead Design Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: UK-Christchurch / Bournemouth, UK; hybrid working, flexitime and condensed work week where role-dependent

Employment: Full time

Company

Develop flight-critical sensors, solenoid valves, actuators and related components for commercial, defense and industrial aerospace platforms, drawing on more than 50 years of aviation technology experience.

What you will do

• Lead mechanical design schemes for solenoid and sensor products using SolidWorks.
• Author, check and approve testing procedures and reports, manufacturing drawings, engineering change requests and non-conformance dispositions.
• Support production and manufacturing-quality investigations, including machining, soldering, welding and brazing-related issues.
• Identify risks and lead mitigation through analysis and testing; support investigations using 8D and similar problem-solving tools.
• Analyze customer specifications, perform gap analysis, and lead design reviews and customer meetings.
• Lead project teams and manage projects as required.

Requirements

• Degree or HND in a relevant engineering subject.
• 10+ years of design-role experience in the aerospace industry.
• NPI experience.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, soldering, welding and brazing.
• UK citizenship required.
• Familiarity with BS8888 and high proficiency in GD&T, tolerance analysis and best drawing practices.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or a similar CAD package.
• Experience with valves, solenoids or sensors is ideally preferred.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working, flexitime and a condensed work week where applicable.
• Paid time off, retirement with employer match, health and wellness benefits, and competitive pay.
• Learning and development opportunities, bonus scheme and recognition programs.
• Employee stock purchase plan and an inclusive, supportive culture.
• The position may involve exposure to export-controlled information and additional security screening; an offer may be reconsidered or withdrawn if access eligibility is not confirmed.

Hiring process

• Unsolicited agency submissions are not accepted; agency partners must be invited and have signed terms before submitting candidates.
• Accommodation is available during recruitment and assessment on request.