Overview Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the U.S., U.K., France and Malaysia. The company's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe. Role Purpose We are looking for an skilled professional to join our Research and Development team at our Aerospace Innovation Centre in Prestwick where they will technically lead a team of R&D engineers developing cutting edge technologies such as composite/metallic fabrication processes, metrology, and non-destructive inspection techniques. The candidate should have a good understanding of advanced composite processes and materials, and ideally metallic fabrication processes. They will ideally have experience of working in an R&D environment and leading a small team of skilled engineers. Project management experience is also preferred. To develop and execute R&D project plans from proposal scope definition and budget submission to final project/grant delivery by coordinating and supporting a team of engineers to complete projects to high quality, ensuring schedule adherence and within allocated budget. To liaise with partners, technology providers, commercial and government related customers during the detailed proposal development phase and throughout the R&D programme collaboration, providing project summary reports, presentations, and supporting technology showcase events on activities undertaken. Responsible for project grant submission and government regulatory compliance, ensuring in time submission of project claims and associated evidence in close collaboration with finance.To develop and deliver R&D projects related to innovative technologies integrating them into structural solutions for future aerostructures component and assembly products. Ensuring technology portfolio integration in line with product development timescales, technology, and business strategy. Ensuring compliance of Spirit Proprietary technologies against Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) and/or Technology Readiness Level (TRL) methodologies. Principle R&T Engineer Salary: From £47,711 depending on experience This opportunity, based at our Prestwick site offers: 37 hour working week (half day Friday) Shift premiums up to 33%, where applicable Overtime at time and a half, where applicable 33 days holiday per year, rising with service Annual Bonus related to company performance Defined contribution pension scheme (default contributions; 4% employee and 8% employer) Virtual GP Service 365 days per year Employee Assistance Program A wide range of flexible benefits Death in service payment (default 4 times basic salary) Professional development and growth Free car parking And more Responsibilities Supports Head of Research & Technology (R&T) in preparation for Chief Technology Officer/Senior Leadership Council/Government and project reviews. To develop and execute Research & Development (R&D) project plans from proposal scope definition and budget submission to final project/grant delivery. Coordinate schedule priorities in close collaboration with R&D manager to complete projects to high quality, ensuring schedule adherence and within allocated budget. Responsible for project grant submission and government regulatory compliance, ensuring in time submission of project claims and associated evidence in close collaboration with finance. Managing commercial and government related customers in the various project definition and execution stages: proposals/work scope preparation, R&D project schedule definition and adherence, government grant application, claim process preparation and adherence. Providing project summary reports, presentations on R&D activities undertaken. Technology scouting: identify possible technology differentiators, developing and providing Statements of Work to technology providers that would provide cutting edge solutions on future aerostructures. In close collaboration with finance department, reporting the full R&D project costs associated with labour, equipment, tooling, materials and subcontract expenditures incurred in adherence to project plan. Acts as coach/mentor to junior specialist R&D Engineering staff. In close collaboration with CTO IP department, ensure accurate implementation of Technology Control plan to protect Spirit IP and future invention submissions. Ensuring technical solution integration in line with product development timescales, technology and business strategy. Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Experience Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Company Procedures and standards relating to engineering, health & safety, and environment Strong knowledge in aerospace technologies ideally in a research and development environment Relevant experience in planning, developing, and delivering collaborative R&D projects to agreed time, quality, and costs Relevant experience in developing collaborative R&D projects proposals/projects from proposal scope and budget definition to final project delivery to time, cost and quality Relevant experience in coordinating a team of engineers and/or technicians to complete project scope and schedule adherence Relevant background in complex technology integration R&D projects Excellent interpersonal, influencing skills and a team working "ethos" Excellent report writing and presentation skills Excellent problem solving and analytical skills are essential for this role Excellent organisational and planning skills Self-driven, professional approach with a "can do" attitude to innovation A good grasp of Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel Outlook is required Desirable - MSc in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, material polymer science/or equivalent relevant degree/experience required Decision Making Authority The jobholder shall coordinate and integrate project plans, costs, and schedules with input from the technical domain specialist with extensive authority to take the full proposal to submission and project completion. The jobholder shall have the authority for the decision-making process surrounding the business case and will have the responsibility to justify it to R&T management. The jobholder will have authority to submit grant claim data to finance departments with little input from Head of R&T and/or R&D manager. Closing Date: 30th May at 4pm Spirit AeroSystems is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.Knowledge, Skills and Experience Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Company Procedures and standards relating to engineering, health & safety, and environment Strong knowledge in aerospace technologies ideally in a research and development environment Relevant experience in planning, developing, and delivering collaborative R&D projects to agreed time, quality, and costs Relevant experience in developing collaborative R&D projects proposals/projects from proposal scope and budget definition to final project delivery to time, cost and quality Relevant experience in coordinating a team of engineers and/or technicians to complete project scope and schedule adherence Relevant background in complex technology integration R&D projects Excellent interpersonal, influencing skills and a team working "ethos" Excellent report writing and presentation skills Excellent problem solving and analytical skills are essential for this role Excellent organisational and planning skills Self-driven, professional approach with a "can do" attitude to innovation A good grasp of Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel Outlook is required Desirable - MSc in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, material polymer science/or equivalent relevant degree/experience required Decision Making Authority The jobholder shall coordinate and integrate project plans, costs, and schedules with input from the technical domain specialist with extensive authority to take the full proposal to submission and project completion. The jobholder shall have the authority for the decision-making process surrounding the business case and will have the responsibility to justify it to R&T management. The jobholder will have authority to submit grant claim data to finance departments with little input from Head of R&T and/or R&D manager. Closing Date: 30th May at 4pm Spirit AeroSystems is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.Supports Head of Research & Technology (R&T) in preparation for Chief Technology Officer/Senior Leadership Council/Government and project reviews. To develop and execute Research & Development (R&D) project plans from proposal scope definition and budget submission to final project/grant delivery. Coordinate schedule priorities in close collaboration with R&D manager to complete projects to high quality, ensuring schedule adherence and within allocated budget. Responsible for project grant submission and government regulatory compliance, ensuring in time submission of project claims and associated evidence in close collaboration with finance. Managing commercial and government related customers in the various project definition and execution stages: proposals/work scope preparation, R&D project schedule definition and adherence, government grant application, claim process preparation and adherence. Providing project summary reports, presentations on R&D activities undertaken. Technology scouting: identify possible technology differentiators, developing and providing Statements of Work to technology providers that would provide cutting edge solutions on future aerostructures. In close collaboration with finance department, reporting the full R&D project costs associated with labour, equipment, tooling, materials and subcontract expenditures incurred in adherence to project plan. Acts as coach/mentor to junior specialist R&D Engineering staff. In close collaboration with CTO IP department, ensure accurate implementation of Technology Control plan to protect Spirit IP and future invention submissions. Ensuring technical solution integration in line with product development timescales, technology and business strategy.