Engineering Site Lead (H/F) - GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED (UK) in Wolverhampton

Overview

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aeronautics (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defence. Its mission: to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes increasingly environmentally friendly, more comfortable and more accessible. Present on all continents, the Group employs 100,000 people with a turnover of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, leading positions globally or in Europe in its markets. Safran is the 2nd company in the aerospace and defence sector in the "World's Best Companies 2024" ranking by TIME magazine.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its clients embedded intelligence solutions that allow them to understand the environment, reduce mental load, and ensure a trajectory, even in critical situations, across all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or in space. The company leverages the expertise of its 13,000 employees to serve these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for both civil and military markets.

Responsibilities

Role Purpose: The Engineering Site Lead is the technical authority for the site, accountable for the integrity, safety, performance, and future capability of all engineered systems and assets. This role is not manufacturing-focused. It exists to ensure that complex technical infrastructure, plant, and systems are designed, operated, maintained, and improved to the highest engineering standards, while meeting regulatory, safety, and commercial requirements. You will combine hands-on technical credibility with leadership, setting engineering direction rather than reacting to problems.

• Technical Authority & Governance: Act as the site's senior engineering authority, signing off technical decisions, standards, and risk acceptance. Own site engineering governance, ensuring compliance with relevant codes, legislation, and industry standards. Interface with regulators, auditors, insurers, and external technical bodies. Lead technical risk assessments and ensure risks are properly engineered out—not administratively managed.
• Engineered Systems Ownership: Full lifecycle ownership of site technical systems (e.g., electrical, mechanical, controls, instrumentation, HVAC, pressure systems, utilities, specialist plant). Ensure systems are designed, commissioned, operated, and maintained in line with original design intent and evolving site requirements. Challenge legacy design assumptions and drive modernisation where systems are no longer fit for purpose.
• Reliability, Integrity & Asset Management: Set the technical strategy for asset integrity, reliability and life-extension. Lead failure investigations and complex root cause analysis. Define preventative, predictive and condition-based maintenance philosophies. Own asset health, obsolescence management, and long-term replacement planning.
• Technical Projects & Change: Technical sponsor for site engineering projects and modifications. Ensure change is managed through robust engineering change control (MOC). Review and approve designs, calculations, specifications, and technical documentation. Ensure CAPEX delivers genuine engineering value, not short-term fixes.
• Engineering Standards & Continuous Improvement: Define and maintain site engineering standards and best practice. Drive continuous improvement through data, engineering insight, and new technologies. Champion digital tools, automation, and modern maintenance/reliability techniques where appropriate.
• Team Leadership & Capability: Lead and develop a team of engineers and technical specialists. Build deep technical capability, not just task completion. Mentor engineers and act as a role model for engineering judgement and professionalism. Ensure appropriate succession and skills coverage across disciplines.

Qualifications:

• Degree-qualified in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or similar).
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) strongly preferred.
• Significant experience in a technical engineering environment (e.g., energy, aerospace, defence, utilities, data centres, laboratories, complex facilities).
• Proven experience as a technical authority or senior engineer responsible for complex systems.
• Strong knowledge of engineering standards, safety legislation, and asset integrity principles.
• Comfortable challenging senior stakeholders with evidence-based engineering judgement.