At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flight test activities and ensure safe, effective operations across diverse aircraft.
- Company: Join Draken, a leader in Electronic Warfare training at Bournemouth International Airport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global opportunities, and a culture of integrity and excellence.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a direct impact on military readiness while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Be at the forefront of airborne Electronic Warfare training with Draken. Draken is seeking an exceptional Lead Flight Test Engineer to join our growing team at Bournemouth International Airport. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role at the cutting edge of Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training, supporting the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies worldwide.
At Draken, we don’t just operate aircraft — we deliver mission‑critical capability. Our work directly enables military aircrew and ground radar operators to train as they will fight, using some of the most advanced and representative airborne EW effects available today.
Your work will directly support the continued evolution of next‑generation EW training systems, ensuring Draken remains the partner of choice for complex, high‑end defence training. Working hand‑in‑hand with our Design Office, maintenance teams, and test pilots, you will lead flight test programmes from concept through to delivery, both in the UK and across global deployment locations. You will also play a key role in navigating regulatory and certification landscapes, securing the approvals required to conduct safe, effective, and compliant flight testing.
The Lead Flight Test Engineer role is a flying role. When not conducting flight test duties and depending on previous qualifications, opportunities to conduct Operational Readiness Training as a rear crew may be available in a variety of aircraft and roles.
Draken Europe combines advanced technology, a highly capable fleet, and exceptional people to deliver aviation solutions that matter. Our teams operate at the intersection of engineering excellence, operational realism, and global defence collaboration.
- Direct impact on front‑line military readiness
- Exposure to complex flight test programmes
- Opportunities to work across a wide range of aircraft platforms
- A culture built on Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Teamwork
- Working alongside some of the most experienced EW and aviation specialists in the industry
- A genuinely global aviation career
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 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 and technical safety reviews
- Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements
- Produce clear, high‑quality flight test reports
- Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels
- Ensure full regulatory compliance, cultivating trusted 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
- Qualification as a 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 able to meet, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical standard
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
- 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 COTS or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
- Background in military EW / RF jamming, or specialist EW roles supporting the RAF or RN
- Previous UAS / RPAS experience
Our Commitment to You
Draken is committed to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism. We value diversity of thought, experience, and background — because better teams deliver better outcomes. We are proud to be an Armed Forces‑friendly organisation and actively welcome applications from veterans, service spouses, and partners. We are a Disability Confident employer and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
We are unequivocal in our stance: intolerance has no place at Draken. Every team member deserves respect, fairness, and the opportunity to succeed. Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all.
To us, diversity means bringing your own perspective to the conversation; inclusion means having a voice - and equality means that your voice is heard. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. Intolerance has no place in our Company. We condemn it outright. Instead, we strive to create a culture where each person who joins our team feels they have the opportunity to succeed, to grow, and to work within an environment where they can be themselves.
We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who meet the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
About Us: Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when, but where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries, making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth employer: Draken Europe
Draken is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of Electronic Warfare training at Bournemouth International Airport. With a strong commitment to integrity, service, and excellence, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development, while also enjoying the chance to engage in diverse flight test programmes and operational readiness training. Our inclusive environment values diversity and actively supports veterans and individuals with disabilities, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Draken. LinkedIn is your best mate here; connect with current employees and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the role of a Lead Flight Test Engineer. Brush up on your knowledge of Electronic Warfare and flight testing procedures. We want you to show off your expertise and passion during the interview – it’s your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Keep an eye on our website and apply proactively. If you think you’re a good fit for Draken, send in your application even if the position isn’t listed. We love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are eager to join our team!
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your unique skills! Whether it’s your military background or experience with flight test instrumentation, make sure to highlight what sets you apart. Tailor your pitch to align with Draken’s mission and values – we’re all about integrity, service, and excellence!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our needs. Talk about your experience with flight test activities, regulatory compliance, and any unique projects you've led.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Draken!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to flight testing and Electronic Warfare. Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in the field, as well as Draken's specific operations and fleet. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely passionate about contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific flight test scenarios or challenges. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and prepare structured responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and experience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers effectively.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Draken values teamwork and collaboration, so be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with engineers, pilots, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals, emphasising your ability to communicate and lead effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the future of flight testing at Draken, the challenges they foresee, or how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
