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 solutions.
- 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 technology and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 3+ years of design experience required.
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
As 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 organisational change.
- Proven experience liaising directly with senior management, external customers, key suppliers, and Certification Authorities, supported by strong organisational and presentation skills for cross‑functional project reporting.
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.
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.
Company: Airbus Belfast Limited Employment Type: Permanent
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 pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically‑advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services.
Project Engineer - Design 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
✨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 Project Engineer - Design. 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 Project Engineer - Design
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.
