Job Description
Job Title: Lead Design Engineer – Aircraft Structures (eVTOL)
Contract Type: Fixed-term, 12 months (Inside IR35)
Location: Hybrid – on-site and remote (dependent on project/customer requirements)
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Aircraft Design Engineer to join our engineering team for eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft development. This role focuses on the design and development of primary and secondary aircraft structures, including Wing, Empennage, and Fuselage, integrating cutting-edge technologies to achieve optimal performance. Experience with aircraft testing is an advantage.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design and build of prototype eVTOL aircraft structures.
* Develop composite and metallic structure designs, including detail and assembly definitions.
* Create and cross-check model-based definitions within 3D Experience digital mock-ups (DMU).
* Collaborate with Systems Integration teams to ensure structural design accommodates system routing requirements.
* Report to the Design Lead and support the team in delivering design engineering solutions.
* Participate in technical and customer reviews, including formal gate reviews; prepare technical data and presentations.
* Define design solutions for new components and modifications to existing components, considering cost, weight, quality, manufacturability, serviceability, and performance.
* Provide evidence of design compliance with technical and customer specifications.
* Prepare drawings and engineering data required for manufacturing and customer submittals.
* Produce Engineering Change Notices (ECN) as needed to support manufacturing, quality, certification, and customer requirements.
* Ensure the quality of deliverables for self and team.
* Act as the technical interface with certification authorities to ensure compliance with airworthiness and certification standards.
* Attend customer facilities for key meetings and design reviews, with hybrid working as applicable.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
* Experience in aircraft design, preferably with eVTOL aircraft.
* Proven design experience on primary and secondary structures: Wing, Empennage, Fuselage.
* Hands-on expertise with CATIA V5 and 3D Experience, including Composites Design 3 (CPD) workbench and Fibresim.
* Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools, e.g., Windchill.
* Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
* Familiarity with aerospace composite and metallic materials and their manufacturing processes.
* Knowledge of aviation regulations and certification processes (e.g., FAA, EASA) is highly desirable.
* Strong problem-solving skills, able to analyze complex engineering problems and propose effective solutions.
* Excellent verbal and written communication, with ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced environments.
* Customer-focused, with the ability to establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
* Ability to work to tight deadlines and meet demanding project requirements.
* Proficiency in MS Office tools and MS Project.
* Passion for innovation, sustainable aviation, and eVTOL technologies.
Benefits
* 20 days annual holiday
* Pension contributions: 4% from company and 4% from employee (can be increased based on associate preference)
* Insurance benefits