Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth

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. The organisation supports military customers, including the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies, delivering advanced airborne EW capabilities and realistic training environments that enable aircrew and ground radar operators to train in authentic operational scenarios.

This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role in the development, testing, and certification of next-generation EW training systems, working with a diverse fleet of aircraft alongside highly experienced aviation professionals.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Flight Test Manager, you will lead the definition, planning, execution, and reporting of flight test activities across a unique and varied 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, ensuring approvals are secured to conduct safe, effective, and compliant flight testing. This is a flying role. When not engaged in flight test duties—and depending on qualifications and experience—you may also support Operational Readiness Training activities as rear crew across a variety of aircraft platforms. The role 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 in the UK and at deployed locations worldwide
• Plan and conduct airborne and ground-based flight testing as Lead Flight Test Engineer
• Develop and own test strategies, test plans, and test procedures
• Collaborate closely with the Design Office, including participation in design 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 relationships with the UK 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 Flight Test Training Organisation
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)
• Ability to meet CAA Class 2 medical standards

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Category 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification
• Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer
• Degree (BSc, BEng or higher) in engineering or a related discipline
• Knowledge of UK, US, and European civil/military regulatory frameworks
• Experience with COTS or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Background in military Electronic Warfare (EW), RF jamming, or related specialist roles
• Experience with UAS/RPAS operations

Why Apply?

This organisation combines advanced technology, a highly capable fleet, and exceptional personnel to deliver aviation solutions that directly support military readiness and operational effectiveness. You will benefit from:

• 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 on integrity, service, excellence, and teamwork
• The chance to work alongside leading EW and aviation specialists
• A genuinely international aviation career with global deployment opportunities

About the Organisation

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 organisation utilises a differentiated fleet, advanced technology, and highly experienced instructors to deliver realistic operational readiness training and mission-critical support services to defence customers worldwide.