At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical direction of heat shield development for re-entry spacecraft.
- Company: Innovative aerospace company focused on cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with exciting projects and career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in aerospace engineering with your expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong background in aerothermal engineering and proven re-entry experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are supporting a client of ours in the search for a senior engineer to take technical ownership of a critical heat shield development programme. This is a high-impact role for someone with deep aerothermal expertise and proven re-entry domain experience. The programme is already beyond concept phase and is moving through detailed design and analysis. The successful person will pick up existing work, lead technical direction, and provide the level of authority needed to help the team move quickly and confidently.
You will act as the technical lead / design authority for heat shield development, supporting a team of engineers working on re-entry spacecraft technology. The focus is not people management, but technical leadership — setting direction, making decisions, and driving delivery across the workstream.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the aerothermal / thermal engineering activity for heat shield design and analysis
- Take ownership of an already-mature design and progress it through further detailed development
- Act as the design authority for the work, making sound technical decisions and directing engineering activity
- Provide technical tasking and guidance to a capable but relatively junior team
- Bring re-entry domain expertise into the team to strengthen decision‑making and programme execution
- Strong aerothermal / thermal engineering background
- Proven re-entry domain experience is essential
- Good understanding of the orbital and atmospheric entry environment
- Ability to operate as a systems‑level thinker rather than a narrow specialist
- Comfortable making decisions, setting direction, and operating with technical authority
- Experience on return satellites, re-entry vehicles, or related programmes
- Background in hypersonic systems may be relevant where there is strong overlap in aerothermal analysis
The engineer will support a team currently around eight people, expected to grow to around ten or eleven. There are no direct line management responsibilities in this role; functional leads manage the resource pool, while this position provides technical leadership across the work.
Key Points- This is an urgent hire
- Permanent hire is preferred, but contract options may be considered
- Candidates must be UK‑based due to export control constraints
Re-Entry Technical Lead in Cardiff employer: EVONA
At EVONA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the Space and Defense tech sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our team enjoys competitive rates, comprehensive growth opportunities, and the chance to work closely with industry leaders, making a meaningful impact in a fast-paced environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your expertise and supports your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Re-Entry Technical Lead in Cardiff
✨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 EVONA for a Re-Entry Technical Lead. 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 Re-Entry Technical Lead in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at EVONA, 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 EVONA, 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 EVONA
✨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 EVONA.
✨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 EVONA. 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 EVONA love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
