At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flight test activities and develop innovative testing strategies for advanced airborne systems.
- Company: Join a leading aviation and defence organisation at the forefront of Electronic Warfare.
- Benefits: International travel, exposure to diverse aircraft, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Genuine international career opportunities with deployments across Europe and beyond.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on military readiness and work with top aviation professionals.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer and relevant engineering degree.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to join a leading aviation and defence organisation operating at the forefront of airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training. This organisation supports military customers, including the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies, delivering advanced airborne EW capabilities and realistic training environments that enable military aircrew and ground radar operators to train as they would operate in real-world scenarios. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role in the development, testing and certification of next-generation EW training systems while working with a diverse fleet of aircraft and highly experienced aviation professionals.
Role: Reporting directly to the Flight Test Manager, the successful candidate will lead the definition, planning, execution and reporting of flight test activities across a diverse and unique fleet. Working closely with Design Office teams, maintenance personnel and test pilots, you will lead flight test programmes from concept through to delivery in both UK and international environments. You will also play a key role in regulatory engagement and certification activities, securing approvals required to conduct safe, effective and compliant flight test operations. This is a flying role. When not conducting flight test duties, and depending on previous qualifications and experience, opportunities may be available to support Operational Readiness Training activities as rear crew across a variety of aircraft platforms and operational roles. The position requires international travel, including deployments across Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the safe and effective delivery of flight test activities within the UK and at deployed locations worldwide.
- Plan and conduct airborne and ground-based flight testing as a Lead Flight Test Engineer.
- Develop and own test strategies, test plans and test procedures.
- Maintain close collaboration with the Design Office, including participation in design reviews and technical safety reviews.
- Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements.
- Produce clear, accurate and high-quality flight test reports.
- Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels.
- Ensure full regulatory compliance and maintain effective working relationships with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other regulatory authorities.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple air vehicle types.
- Qualified Flight Test Engineer from a recognised and approved Flight Test Training Organisation.
- Hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK Security Clearance (SC).
- Hold, or be capable of meeting, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical status.
- Category 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification.
- Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer.
- Degree (BSc, BEng or higher) in an engineering or science-related discipline.
- Knowledge of UK, US and European civil and military regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
- Background in military Electronic Warfare (EW), RF jamming or specialist EW roles supporting military aviation operations.
- Previous UAS/RPAS experience.
Why Apply?
- Direct involvement in front-line military readiness programmes.
- Exposure to complex and challenging flight test programmes.
- Opportunities to work across a broad range of aircraft platforms.
- A collaborative culture built around integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
- The chance to work alongside some of the most experienced EW and aviation specialists in the industry.
- A genuinely international aviation career with global deployment opportunities.
About the Organisation
The organisation is a specialist provider of aviation and defence training solutions, delivering adversarial support, electronic attack capabilities and customised rotary-wing training programmes. Operating across the UK, United States and NATO-aligned countries, the business utilises a differentiated fleet, advanced technology and highly experienced instructors to deliver realistic operational readiness training and mission-critical support services to defence customers.
Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth employer: DCS Engineering
Join a leading aviation and defence organisation that prioritises integrity, service, excellence, and teamwork, offering a collaborative culture where your contributions directly impact military readiness programmes. As a Lead Flight Test Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to work with a diverse fleet of aircraft and highly experienced professionals, while also enjoying global deployment opportunities that enhance your career in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth
✨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 DCS Engineering for a Lead Flight Test 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 Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at DCS Engineering, 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 DCS Engineering, 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 DCS Engineering
✨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 DCS Engineering.
✨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 DCS Engineering. 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 DCS Engineering love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
