Chief Engineer Location: Hailsham Industry: Advanced Materials / Aerospace / Defence / Engineering Salary: Competitive, permanent role An established international organisation specialising in advanced materials and precision process engineering is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead its technical function. The business focuses on powder-based technologies, advanced equipment design, and R&D activities that support aerospace, defence, and high-performance engineering sectors. The company name will not be disclosed. This position provides technical leadership across engineering design, process development, and product delivery. It requires a blend of hands-on expertise and strategic direction, ensuring complex systems and equipment meet performance, reliability, and cost targets. The role reports to the Operations Manager and offers responsibility for shaping capability, mentoring multidisciplinary teams, and guiding technology from concept through to customer deployment.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the engineering function, setting technical direction and supporting multidisciplinary teamsOversee design activities with full responsibility for technical governance and design processesDeliver engineering projects on schedule, within budget, and to defined quality and regulatory standardsWork closely with R&D to progress new technologies from prototype to market-ready productsManage engineering resources, facilities, workflows, and capability developmentSupport strategic planning, including new technology and business opportunitiesEnsure compliance with all relevant industry standards, safety requirements, and quality systemsQualifications and ExperienceMaster's degree in engineering; additional background in metallurgy or physics is advantageousSignificant leadership experience in advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, or process-equipment environmentsProven record of managing complex engineering or R&D programmes in aerospace, defence, or similar sectorsStrong capability in system design, process development, and equipment integrationEffective leadership, communication, and team-management skillsAbility to combine hands-on engineering knowledge with strategic decision-makingAdditional Information Based on site in Hailsham, with occasional UK and overseas travel, On-site role due to operational and security requirementsFull UK driving licence neededWorking week: 37.5 hoursHoliday entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidaysContract: Permanent TPA Recruit is a specialist recruitment agency acting on behalf of our client to source and assess suitable candidates for this position. All applications will be reviewed and processed by our team, who will liaise directly with shortlisted individuals throughout the hiring process