At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global team to design innovative aircraft interior products and manage engineering projects.
- Company: Collins Aerospace, part of Raytheon Technologies, known for innovation in aerospace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, industry-leading pension, private healthcare, and flexible working.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aviation industry while developing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in engineering, STEM degree preferred, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is looking for a Principal Engineer to join our Galley Modifications & Upgrades team in Leighton Buzzard. The role leads a global team of multi‑disciplined engineers to research and develop designs, components, equipment, and systems for aircraft interior products, and is accountable to internal and external stakeholders for in‑service modification design concepts that meet regulatory requirements.
What You Will Do
- You will lead a global team of multi‑disciplined engineers to develop aircraft interior products and be accountable for the delivery of assigned work packages, focusing on measurable performance and consistency across all project phases.
- Own engineering responsibility for various galley upgrade projects, including in‑service product modification, T&F changes, insert products, cabin reconfigurations, customisation, and re‑branding for leading airlines, ensuring compliance with certification requirements and airworthiness regulations.
- Manage all aspects of engineering requirements from receiving program customer specifications to releasing complete, verified engineered artifacts, owning and accounting for the entire process.
- Think strategically to identify optimal program approaches, consider prototype and testing requirements, and identify risks and opportunities.
- Conduct design review meetings to align stakeholders on program design approach and assumptions, and lead design engineers performing studies and investigations that support quotations.
- Develop customer relationships based on transparency and trust and act as a technical interface for all internal and external stakeholders.
- Author, check, and approve technical documentation in line with delegation of authority.
- Coach and review work from a cross‑functional team, build a foundation of design check and approval signatories, and monitor and report key performance indicators to achieve predictable outcomes.
- Provide mentor support to develop team technical acumen and facilitate signatory obtainment.
- Validate sequencing, task dependencies, and critical path accuracy.
What You Will Learn
This role will support your continued technical and professional development.
Qualifications We Prefer
- “Leader” mentality, keen to drive improvements, take on challenges, create solutions, and provide input.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a technical engineering role.
- A STEM degree is highly desirable.
- Experience in the design of mechanical/electrical systems for commercial aircraft seating products.
- Expertise in structural analysis across all classical static analyses.
- Current or previously held M1020 Check and Approval signatories (highly desirable).
Desirable Experience and Qualifications
- Familiarity with FAA/EASA requirements.
- Excellent communication skills to achieve outcomes through dialogue with stakeholders.
- Understanding of the aircraft interiors industry, including certification, product development, and customer expectations.
- Desire and knowledge of structural engineering.
- M1020 Check and Approval signatories (desirable).
What We Offer
- A competitive salary
- Bonus scheme
- Industry‑leading pension scheme (double match contribution up to 10%)
- Private healthcare, life assurance and group income protection scheme participation
- Employee assistance programme and flexible benefits platform
- Annual leave buy/sell scheme to support work‑life balance
- Flexible working arrangements in a clean, safe, and modern environment
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment opportunities. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Principal Engineer in Leighton Buzzard employer: Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is an exceptional employer located in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, industry-leading pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements, all while being part of a global team dedicated to advancing aircraft interior products. With a strong emphasis on professional development and mentorship, this role provides unique opportunities for growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Leighton Buzzard
✨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 Collins Aerospace for a Principal 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 Principal Engineer in Leighton Buzzard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Collins Aerospace, 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 Collins Aerospace, 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 Collins Aerospace
✨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 Collins Aerospace.
✨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 Collins Aerospace. 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 Collins Aerospace love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
