At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flight test activities and ensure compliance with aviation regulations.
- Company: Leading aviation and defence organisation at the forefront of Electronic Warfare.
- Benefits: International travel, exposure to cutting-edge projects, and long-term career opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with highly experienced professionals and diverse aircraft fleet.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in advanced airborne Electronic Warfare systems.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to join a leading aviation and defence organisation operating at the forefront of Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training.
This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in the development, testing and certification of next-generation airborne Electronic Warfare systems while working alongside highly experienced aviation professionals on a diverse fleet of aircraft.
The organisation supports the UK Ministry of Defence, NATO allies and international defence customers by delivering advanced airborne Electronic Warfare capabilities and realistic operational training environments.
The Role
Reporting to the Flight Test Manager, you'll lead the planning, execution and reporting of flight test programmes across a unique and varied fleet of aircraft.
Working closely with Design Office engineers, maintenance teams and test pilots, you'll oversee flight test activities from initial planning through to certification and final delivery.
You'll also work directly with regulatory authorities to ensure all flight testing is carried out safely and in full compliance with applicable regulations.
This is a flying role.
When not undertaking flight test activities, opportunities may also be available to support Operational Readiness Training missions as rear crew, depending on your experience and qualifications.
The position includes international travel and operational deployments across Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the safe planning and delivery of flight test activities in the UK and overseas.
- Plan and conduct airborne and ground-based flight testing.
- Develop flight test strategies, plans and procedures.
- Work closely with the Design Office throughout the design and certification process.
- Participate in design reviews and technical safety reviews.
- Develop and manage certification plans supporting flight test programmes.
- Produce high-quality technical reports and flight test documentation.
- Ensure flight test risks are managed to ALARP principles.
- Maintain compliance with UK CAA regulations and other applicable aviation authorities.
- Support certification and regulatory approval activities.
About You
To be considered, you'll ideally have
- Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple aircraft types.
- Qualified Flight Test Engineer from a recognised Flight Test Training Organisation.
- Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
- Able to meet the requirements of a CAA Class 2 Medical.
- Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
- Category 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification.
- Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer.
- Degree (BEng, BSc or above) in Engineering, Aerospace or a related scientific discipline.
- Knowledge of UK, US and European military and civil aviation regulations.
- Experience with Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) and data acquisition systems.
- Background in Electronic Warfare (EW), RF systems or military aviation operations.
- What's on Offer
- Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge Electronic Warfare and defence programmes.
- Exposure to complex flight test and aircraft certification projects.
- International travel and deployment opportunities.
- Work across a diverse fleet of aircraft.
- Collaborative environment with highly experienced aviation professionals.
- Long‑term career opportunities within a leading defence organisation.
This company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
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Lead Flight Test Engineer in England employer: DCS Engineering
Join a leading business aviation MRO at Farnborough Airport, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safety, quality, and customer service. With over 40 years of industry experience, we offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and extensive personal development opportunities, including in-house training and access to LinkedIn Learning. Our supportive work culture prioritises work-life balance through structured shift patterns and provides unique benefits such as employee assistance programmes and volunteering days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Flight Test Engineer in England
✨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 England
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.
