Director Design Engineering in Farnborough

At AALTO, we take pride in building and offering an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar‑powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr. Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight‑time record exceeds 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ ft, or 20 km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct‑to‑device connectivity and high‑resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low‑Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high‑altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities. Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly‑skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can unlock Stratospace.

Job purpose: Due to team growth, we are seeking a Director, Design Engineering to join AALTO. In this role, you will report to the VP, Technology and oversee the design teams responsible for Zephyr system development. You will lead and mentor a group of skills team leaders, to ensure optimal allocation of resources, development of capabilities, and delivery of high‑quality design outputs aligned with project and business objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a group of design team leaders by ensuring a consistent approach to performance management, developing individual growth plans, and providing discipline‑specific guidance.
• Resource Planning: Oversee the allocation of design resources to projects based on skills, availability, and business priorities.
• Capability Development: Collaborate with design team leaders to identify skill gaps and training needs; support recruitment and onboarding of new team members. Define long‑term goals for design capability development aligned with business objectives.
• Resource Coordination: Act as the primary interface between the Chief Engineers, Project Managers, and HR to ensure resource availability and alignment across a matrix‑based design delivery organisation.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive best practices, process improvements, and knowledge sharing within the skills teams. Optimize onboarding, training, and career progression processes.
• Reporting: Establish KPIs and recording methods to report on skills team performance, workload, and resource utilisation.

Skills & experience:

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Demonstrable leadership skills to lead and inspire a collaborative and motivated team environment.
• Strong understanding of aerospace design principles, technologies, and industry trends.
• Proficiency with analytical tools (e.g. MS BI, MS Project) for managing team performance & delivery.
• Proven ability to foster growth among managers and individual contributors.
• Ability to design and implement competency models for design team roles.
• Experience in working with Aviation Regulators and/or Part 21 organisations.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.

Other Useful skills and experience:

• Proven Aviation industry experience or experience in a highly regulated industry.
• Knowledge of uncrewed air systems.
• Proactive and solution‑oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Good understanding of supplier management.