At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in the Propulsion Systems Engineering department to deliver high-quality solutions.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace company focused on cutting-edge technology and engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for neuro-diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in aerospace engineering and drive innovation in propulsion systems.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering with extensive systems engineering experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Job Purpose
Lead and develop the Propulsion Systems Engineering department by setting strategic direction, driving innovation, and managing resources to deliver high-quality engineering solutions that support the company’s projects, bids, objectives and growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the strategic vision for the propulsion systems engineering team
- Lead recruitment, define and optimise the team structure, and manage training and performance to build a highly effective engineering department
- Headcount including forecasting and ensuring adequate resourcing for projects, bids, and technical studies
- Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with internal departments, suppliers, and customers to ensure alignment and support business development efforts
- Prepare and review project and bid estimates, to support delivery and business growth
- Define and monitor key performance indicators and implement measures to achieve targets
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
Required Behaviours
- Think Big
- Make It Happen
- Together
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant Engineering discipline e.g. Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or Physics
- Extensive experience in a comparable systems engineering role
- Strong systems engineering expertise with the ability to oversee complex propulsion systems development from concept design and integration to testing and validation
- Proven track record in resource planning, delivery and execution
- Deep understanding of the space environment, requirements and space standards
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Leadership, team and skills development
- Effective communication
- Competitiveness and customer focused mindset
Performance Metrics
- Engineering delivery on time and within budget
- Effective resourcing of projects, bids, and studies
- Team performance, skills development and succession planning within the team
Security Requirements
In line with Thales’ Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided.
Accessibility Support
Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid‑to‑senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.
Head of Discipline – Propulsion Systems in Oxford employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Thales UK is an exceptional employer located in Oxford, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Propulsion Systems Engineering department. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Thales provides extensive training opportunities and encourages strategic thinking, ensuring that team members can thrive while contributing to cutting-edge projects in the aerospace sector. The inclusive culture and focus on continuous improvement make it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful careers in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Discipline – Propulsion Systems in Oxford
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co for a Head of Discipline – Propulsion Systems. 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 Head of Discipline – Propulsion Systems in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Dormont Manufacturing Co, 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co, 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co. 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
