At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design engineering projects and mentor a dynamic team in aerospace innovation.
- Company: Join Airbus Belfast, a leader in sustainable aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit share, flexible hours, and a contributory pension.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of flight with cutting-edge technologies and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to BPSS and Export Control checks (including a criminal record check).
LOCATION: Belfast
GRADE: L4
TYPE: Full time
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
- Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options.
- Work / Life Balance: 36 hour week, flexible working around core hours and Friday afternoons off.
At Airbus in Belfast, we are pioneering the future of sustainable aerospace. We are looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer to provide technical guidance and leadership across a broad spectrum of design engineering activities and ongoing design support of the manufacturing build. In this role, you will lead specialist technical packages within our Structures and/or Systems Installation teams, ensuring full compliance with Design Authority requirements and airworthiness standards. You will bridge the gap between initial design, feasibility, and shop-floor manufacturing to deliver world-class aerospace components.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM:
- Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and advice to an engineering team, developing innovative approaches to complex design problems and fostering continuous development.
- Take full accountability for assigned projects or programmes, ensuring all technical commitments are delivered strictly within agreed schedules and budgets.
- Maintain deep design engineering expertise to advise user departments across the design-to-manufacturing lifecycle, ensuring all components satisfy customer specifications and airworthiness regulatory standards.
- Work closely with cross-functional specialists, customers, and suppliers to effectively coordinate complex engineering packages and conduct full project feasibility studies.
ABOUT YOU:
To be considered for shortlisting, candidates must clearly demonstrate the following requirements in their application:
Essential criteria:
- Degree (BSc/BEng or equivalent) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering with 3 years' design engineering experience, OR an HNC/HND in a relevant discipline with 5 years' design engineering experience.
- Comprehensive theoretical and applied knowledge of aircraft structures and/or systems installation, alongside thorough working knowledge of applicable airworthiness regulations (e.g., CAA, EASA, FAA), analysis methods, testing procedures, and engineering processes.
- Proven track record of managing, guiding, and advising an engineering team on specialist technical packages, with the demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and mentor staff through project updates and organizational change.
- Proven experience liaising directly with senior management, external customers, key suppliers, and Certification Authorities, supported by strong organizational and presentation skills for cross-functional project reporting.
While applicants only need to meet the essential criteria, relevant desirable experience within your specific discipline may be used to shortlist candidates.
Desirable criteria:
- Candidates should preferably be members of a professional engineering institution.
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.
Closing date: 8th October 2026
Please note that meeting the mandatory criteria listed above guarantees consideration for the role, but does not ensure progression to the interview stage. In the event of a high volume of qualified applications, the selection panel reserves the right to shortlist and progress candidates who additionally meet one or more of the preferential (desirable) criteria.
ABOUT US:
Join Airbus Belfast - Pioneering Sustainable Aerospace for a Safe and United World. As a premier centre of excellence for advanced aerostructures, our Belfast team drives the complete wing lifecycle - from concept design to in-service support - for the world's leading aerospace manufacturer. To support major multi-million-pound site investments and expanding operations, we are recruiting talented engineers to scale world-class aerospace innovation into the future.
What We Do:
- Global A220 Wing Nerve Center: Our specialist engineering teams drive the continuous design and technical development of the advanced composite A220 wing.
- Iconic Commercial Programmes: Our expertise spans the entire Airbus commercial family, delivering critical innovations from the record-breaking A fuel tank integration that enabled the longest flight in history, to the primary structural backbone for the A350F- the world's most eco-efficient cargo aircraft.
Shape the Future of Flight: To fuel our long-term growth, we are expanding our engineering team in Belfast and seeking specialists across key disciplines, including structural design, stress analysis, aircraft integration and materials & processes. If you are ready to work with cutting-edge technologies and define the next generation of aerospace, apply today. In Belfast, we make it fly!
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU: Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we'll always do our best to accommodate your request. Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process - you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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 under the Equality Act 2010 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 your application will be considered accordingly.
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.
Company: Airbus Belfast Limited
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Student
Job Family: Structure Design & Integration
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. 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.
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Project Engineer - Design in Belfast employer: Airbus
Airbus Belfast Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety, quality, and employee growth. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities for continuous improvement in their roles. Located in Belfast, the company fosters collaboration across teams, ensuring that every Tool Maker can contribute meaningfully to innovative projects while developing their skills in a high-precision manufacturing context.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineer - Design in Belfast
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Project Engineer - Design role you’re after at Airbus.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Airbus a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Airbus.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Project Engineer - Design at Airbus, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineer - Design in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Engineer - Design, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Airbus a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Airbus specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Airbus, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Airbus want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
