At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex EMC testing projects and mentor engineers in military and aerospace standards.
- Company: Join Element, a fast-growing global leader in testing and certification.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape future technologies.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence and aerospace while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and extensive EMC testing experience required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Principal EMC Engineer with specialist knowledge in Military and Aerospace EMC standards (e.g. DEF STAN 59-411, MIL-STD-461, RTCA DO-160) to join our expert team. This is a senior-level position providing technical leadership both internally and externally – from supporting UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 audits and developing procedures, to mentoring engineers and engaging directly with customers.
This role is ideal for someone with deep EMC technical knowledge who is confident in leading complex projects, reviewing and signing technical reports, and shaping the future of testing for defence, aerospace, and other high-integrity sectors.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership across Mil/Aero EMC testing activities, ensuring high-quality execution and compliance.
- Serve as a report signatory for test reports under ISO/IEC 17025, ensuring accuracy, technical integrity, and traceability.
- Support and guide engineers in test preparation, execution, and troubleshooting for DEF STAN, MIL-STD-461, DO-160, and related standards.
- Collaborate with the sales and commercial teams to scope complex projects and provide pre-sales technical support.
- Engage directly with clients and stakeholders to resolve technical queries and ensure successful project delivery.
- Develop and maintain internal procedures, test methods, and documentation in line with evolving standards and best practices.
- Play a key role in audit readiness and compliance for UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 assessments, including non-conformance resolution and continual improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to the training and mentoring of junior engineers and team members.
Skills / Qualifications
- Degree in Electrical, Electronic, or related Engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience in EMC testing.
- Extensive experience in EMC testing for Military and Aerospace applications.
- Strong understanding of DEF STAN 59-411, MIL-STD-461, RTCA DO-160, and similar defence/aerospace EMC standards.
- Proven experience as a report signatory within an accredited lab.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to guide both internal staff and external customers.
- Demonstrable experience in developing and maintaining technical procedures and ensuring quality standards.
- Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 audit processes and requirements.
To be successful in your application for this role you will require:
- The ability to obtain and maintain UK security clearance (SC level).
- Availability to work Monday to Thursday: 08:30–17:00, and Friday: 08:30–15:45 (37.5 hours per week).
- A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to work across departments and adapt to evolving project demands.
- A commitment to continuous improvement, quality, and high-integrity testing within the TIC (Testing, Inspection & Certification) sector.
- Full UK Driving License.
Company Overview
Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.
Principal EMC Engineer – Military & Aerospace in Exeter employer: Element Materials Technology
Element is an exceptional employer for a Principal EMC Engineer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the Military and Aerospace sectors. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have opportunities for mentorship and professional development while working alongside industry experts. Our culture prioritises quality and integrity, ensuring that you contribute to meaningful projects that enhance safety and compliance in high-stakes environments.
Contact Details:
Element Materials Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal EMC Engineer – Military & Aerospace in Exeter
✨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.
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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 Element Materials Technology for a Principal EMC Engineer – Military & Aerospace. 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 Principal EMC Engineer – Military & Aerospace in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Element Materials Technology, 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 Element Materials Technology, 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 Element Materials Technology
✨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 Element Materials Technology.
✨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 Element Materials Technology. 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 Element Materials Technology love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
