Engine Production Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: Fareham, SouthEast PO16, United Kingdom; onsite at the UK production facility. Extended overseas travel is required during the technology transfer.

Company

hirify.global develops autonomous systems across air, land, and sea, with engineering and R&D in New Zealand and manufacturing scale-up in the UK.

What you will do

• Lead the technical transfer of engine technology, technical data, specifications, manufacturing processes, testing requirements, and training from an international licensor.
• Coordinate engineering, tooling, test equipment, supplier, and facility requirements for a new licensed two-stroke engine assembly and test line.
• Own the production readiness plan, including schedules, dependencies, risks, and milestones through the start of production targeted for early 2027.
• Define critical assembly characteristics, lead PFMEA reviews, establish Control Plans, and ensure production quality processes.
• Set engine test acceptance criteria, lead pilot builds and First Article Inspections, and validate results against licensor requirements.
• Coordinate suppliers and licensors, manage changes and non-conformances, and align Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Facilities.

Requirements

• Hands-on engine assembly and testing experience, ideally with two-stroke internal combustion engines, aerospace engines, or UAS powerplants.
• Experience leading technology transfers, licensed manufacturing programmes, or new production line introductions.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering or manufacturing teams.
• Practical knowledge of APQP and PPAP, including PFMEA, Control Plans, and First Article Inspection using EN/AS 9102, EN/AS 9145, AIAG, or equivalent standards.
• Understanding of engine dynamometer testing and development of test acceptance criteria.
• Strong project planning, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel overseas for extended periods during the technology transfer.
• Eligibility for the UK Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including identity verification, legal right to work in the UK, recent employment history, and checks for unspent convictions.

Nice to have

• Experience in aerospace, defence, or uncrewed systems manufacturing.
• Knowledge of fuel systems, ignition systems, and engine control units.
• Familiarity with castings and precision-machined engine components.
• Experience planning production line or facility start-ups.
• Awareness of export control requirements such as ITAR and EAR.
• Experience working with international suppliers or technology licensors.

Culture & Benefits

• Permanent, full-time role with production targeted to begin in early 2027.
• Collaborative, low-ego environment focused on practical problem-solving and shared ownership.
• Opportunity to establish a new engine manufacturing capability and see the work move directly into production.
• Fast-growing international organisation working on autonomous systems with real-world applications.