At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design engineering for advanced aircraft structures and systems from concept to production.
- Company: Join Airbus Belfast, a leader in sustainable aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit share, flexible hours, and a contributory pension.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of flight with cutting-edge technology and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: HNC in engineering and 3+ years of relevant design experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to BPSS and Export Control checks (including a criminal record check).
LOCATION: Belfast
GRADE: B6
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.
As a Senior Design Engineer, you will own the end-to-end engineering lifecycle - leading the development of advanced aircraft structures and systems installations from initial concept and detailed design through to final production and active shop-floor build support.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM:
- Ensure structural and systems designs comply strictly with certification standards, prepare engineering change/modification proposals, and provide expert guidance on repairs for in-service aircraft and components.
- Partner closely with internal manufacturing departments to resolve production challenges and provide formal engineering dispositions for manufacturing non-conformances/defects.
- Direct and coach junior design engineers, lead trade studies to drive key design decisions, and deliver robust technical outputs to required quality standards and project schedules.
- Act as an authoritative internal design decision-maker, prepare project progress reports, and represent the engineering department in technical meetings, customer discussions, and supplier reviews.
ABOUT YOU:
Essential criteria:
- Possess an HNC (or equivalent) in an engineering-related subject alongside a minimum of 3 years’ relevant design engineering experience.
- Knowledge and hands-on experience in metallic and composite structures and/or systems installation design, utilizing CATIA V5 (or similar 3D CAD toolsets) and standard engineering IT software.
- Proven ability to analyze and solve technical problems effectively, with full accountability for delivering your own tasks to time, cost, and quality parameters.
- Articulate communicator able to convey technical information clearly, with a strong ability to collaborate effectively across local site and broader group-level teams.
While applicants only need to meet the essential criteria, relevant desirable experience within your specific discipline may be used to shortlist candidates.
Desirable criteria:
- Knowledge in Fibersim and/or Enovia.
- Experience in supporting concessions.
- Wing structure knowledge.
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. With over 1,100 firm orders from 30+ global customers and 500+ aircraft flying across 25 international operators, Belfast is accelerating production ramp-ups to meet record global demand. By leveraging cutting-edge digital tools, advanced composite materials and automated manufacturing processes, our engineers are actively advancing performance, passenger experience and structural capabilities for the world's most popular single-aisle aircraft in its class.
Iconic Commercial Programmes: Our expertise spans the entire Airbus commercial family, delivering critical innovations from the record-breaking A350-1000 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 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: Professional
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 to emsom@airbus.com.
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.
Senior Design Engineer 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 Senior Design Engineer in Belfast
✨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 for a Senior Design Engineer. 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 Senior Design Engineer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Airbus, 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, 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
✨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.
✨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. 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 love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
