At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and empower a team of specialist engineers in complex electronics.
- Company: Join Airbus Defence and Space, a leader in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and international mobility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in engineering with expertise in electronics or radiation effects.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance. Travel Required: At the start, frequently to know your team. BAU is bimonthly. Location: Portsmouth (60% of your working week must be office based). Type: Full time.
Benefits
- Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, tax‑free technology scheme, discounted shopping and more.
- Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL.
- Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ e‑learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities.
- Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), employee assistance programme, discounted family health, dental insurance, eye tests, cycle‑to‑work scheme, on‑site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates.
- Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption, shared parental and caregiving leave.
- Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, multi‑faith room, employee representative groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity).
There are no core hours on Friday afternoons. Employees may use this flexibility at their discretion, provided they fulfil their contractual working hours and meet business needs (such as urgent deadlines or client requirements).
About the Role
Looking for a people‑centric manager to empower, guide and support a team of specialist engineers. The role is 80% management, the rest technical. Ideal background: complex electronics domain in automotive, aerospace, space, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical technology, railway, infrastructure & transportation or aviation. Due to reorganisation, a new UK role was created to look after a team of 15 people across two sites (Portsmouth and Stevenage). The team are subject‑matter experts in Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) components, and the effects of the radiative space environment on electronics and systems.
Responsibilities
- Gain an in‑depth understanding of team skills and experience; engage, develop and motivate team members to ensure a high level of technical competency and professional growth.
- Champion and empower your team to achieve delivery on commitments, project integrity and ensuring projects stay on track.
- Build a trustful and inclusive work environment, actively promoting collaboration, fact‑driven decision‑making and an out‑of‑silos mindset.
- Risk Management: proactively identify, escalated, and manage risks and opportunities to protect project timelines and technical integrity.
- Continuous Improvement: encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by identifying and eliminating non‑value‑added activities.
- Business Growth: secure the business in the short, medium and long term, contributing directly to increased profitability of Airbus.
- Stakeholder Management: act as the primary technical interface for internal and external customers regarding all topics related to EEE parts and radiation.
Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience in managing engineering teams with a focus on people development and performance management.
- Deep understanding of one of the following: electrical, electronic, electromechanical components or radiation effects on electronics in space environment.
- Experience working in international technical companies and interacting with stakeholders across the board, adapting communication style for technical, non‑technical, detailed or bigger picture scenarios.
Support & Flexibility
Airbus supports personal growth with customised development solutions and flexible working arrangements (including part‑time). We will accommodate your request for flexibility and adjustments for the selection process. We are a Disability Confident Employer and provide an interview to applicants with a disability or long‑term condition under the Equality Act 2010 that meet the role’s minimum criteria.
Company Information
Airbus Defence and Space Limited – Permanent, Professional, Leadership.
Equal Opportunities
Airbus is committed to equal opportunities for all and will never ask for monetary exchange as part of the recruitment process.
Locations
Head of Electronics Engineering in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Portsmouth that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on personal development through access to extensive e-learning resources, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of electronics engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Electronics Engineering in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Airbus Defence and Space for a Head of Electronics Engineering. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Electronics Engineering in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Airbus Defence and Space, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Airbus Defence and Space, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus Defence and Space
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Airbus Defence and Space.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Airbus Defence and Space. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Airbus Defence and Space love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
