TBD (Owen Holland) is a leading provider of innovative Ground Support Equipment (GSE) solutions, supporting airports, airlines, and MRO providers worldwide. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient equipment that powers the aviation industry from the ground up. We are seeking a Head of Engineering to lead our engineering team and drive the next phase of growth.
Role Summary
The Chief Engineer will be responsible for overseeing the design, development, and delivery of our full portfolio of GSE products. This includes managing cross-functional engineering teams, driving product innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with deep technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
Key Responsibilities
* Define and execute the engineering vision and roadmap in alignment with the company's strategic goals.
* Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary engineering team (mechanical, electrical & systems).
* Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Oversee end-to-end product development cycles, from concept through to production and field support.
* Ensure products meet or exceed performance, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g., IATA, CE, ISO).
* Collaborate closely with Product Management, Operations, and Sales to align engineering efforts with market needs.
* Provide technical direction on complex engineering challenges, including vehicle electrification, automation, and sustainable design initiatives.
* Drive best practices in design for manufacturability, maintainability, and reliability.
* Ensure rigorous testing, validation, and certification processes are followed.
* Manage engineering budgets, resource planning, and project timelines.
* Establish and maintain engineering KPIs and reporting systems.
* Oversee supplier technical evaluations and collaborate with procurement on component selection.
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelors or masters degree in structural, mechanical engineering or related field.
* 10+ years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within heavy equipment, automotive, or aerospace sectors (GSE experience highly preferred).
* Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects from concept to production.
* Strong understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, electrification, control systems, and mechanical design.
* Familiarity with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and industry certifications relevant to GSE.
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Skills
* Experience with EV technology, hybrid powertrains, or autonomous vehicle systems.
* Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma certifications.
* Exposure to international markets and global supply chains.
* Proficiency with engineering tools such as Inventor or AutoCAD.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £65,000.00-£70,000.00 per year
Experience:
* Progressive Engineering: 10 years (required)
* Engineering Leadership: 5 years (required)
* GSE: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* BSc/M.S in Structural, Mechanical Engineering (or related) (required)
Work Location: In person