Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead MilSATCOM projects, ensuring technical excellence and timely delivery.
- Company: Join Airbus Defence and Space, a leader in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit share, flexible hours, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the space industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Engineering experience and knowledge of MilSatCom systems required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal development and international mobility.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Security Clearance: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance
Travel Required: Occasional travel within UK and international
Location: Guildford or Portsmouth (60% of your working week must be office based)
Type: Full time
What's In It For You
- Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax‑free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
- Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours and Friday afternoons off, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL, option to buy/sell holiday (AP+)
- Personal Development: Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University 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 / caregiving leave
- Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi‑faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)
About The Role
Seeking a Chief Engineer to support the growth and delivery of Milsatcom projects in the export market. The successful candidate will support the tender process along the Clarification and Assessment phases until the contract signature.
How You Will Contribute To The Team
- Capturing customer and RFP requirements, generating corresponding solutions and producing technical specifications.
- Select, propose and finally approve the key technologies to be used on the program.
- Run set based concurrent development options and down select to meet program maturity milestones.
- Produce the technical Work Breakdown Structure, the development schedule and technical risk management, and ensure that all technical teams provide on‑time, on‑quality, on‑cost deliverables.
- Continuously monitor progress, ensure timely resolution of technical issues and lead engineering change management including customer requests acceptance/rejection.
About You
- Engineering experience across multiple disciplines.
- Knowledge of System Engineer practices along the project life cycle and associated methods and tools.
- Technical background in MilSatCom capabilities at the Spacecraft (multi‑bands of communications) and Ground Segment (Ground Stations, Control and Management Systems, Operational Centers) levels highly regarded.
- Demonstrable practical application of Project management in the respect of Quality, Time and Cost principles.
How We Can Support You
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part‑time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request. As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long‑term condition and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt‑in’, just select the option during your application submission and our Talent Acquisition team will contact you. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.
Company Details
Company: Airbus Defence and Space Limited
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Professional
Job Family: Chief Engineering & Architecture
Legal & Compliance: By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Chief Engineer in Portsmouth employer: Airbus Defence and Space
Contact Detail:
Airbus Defence and Space Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Airbus Defence and Space on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into MilSatCom systems. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Engineer role. Highlight your engineering experience and any relevant MilSatCom projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves technical specifications and project management, make sure to showcase your technical skills clearly. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise in system engineering practices.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus Defence and Space
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially around MilSatCom capabilities. Be ready to discuss technical specifications and project management principles, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the job description and the key responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Think about how your past experiences align with capturing customer requirements and managing technical teams, and be prepared to share specific examples.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Engineer, you'll need to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully resolved technical issues or led engineering change management in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and the specific challenges they face in MilSatCom projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
