At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams, drive productivity, and ensure safe aircraft maintenance.
- Company: Gama Aviation, a top UK Business Aviation organisation with global operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, generous welcome bonus, and relocation support.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel, personal growth, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Take your career to new heights in a dynamic aviation environment.
- Qualifications: UK CAA Part 66 Licence and experience leading engineering teams.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lead the Shift. Drive Performance. Deliver Excellence.
Gama Aviation is one of the UK’s leading Business Aviation organisations, supporting a diverse fleet of fixed-wing aircraft across maintenance, modification and operational support activities. As our Bournemouth operation continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Shift Lead Engineer to join our Base Maintenance team. This is an exciting opportunity for an established Licensed Aircraft Engineer who is looking to take the next step in their career, combining technical expertise with leadership responsibility.
You will play a key role in leading the engineering teams, driving productivity, managing customer expectations and ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of aircraft maintenance activities. Working closely with the Base Maintenance Manager, you will take ownership of shift performance, aircraft delivery schedules and team leadership whilst remaining actively involved in a fast‑paced maintenance environment. This role offers genuine opportunities to influence operational performance, develop leadership skills and progress your career within a growing international aviation organisation.
We are looking for an experienced Licensed Aircraft Engineer with strong leadership capability and a passion for developing high‑performing teams.
Responsibilities:
- Leading daily engineering and safety briefings
- Managing and coordinating engineering teams across the shift
- Driving productivity and ensuring resources are effectively allocated
- Taking ownership of aircraft maintenance delivery targets and escalating risks where required
- Acting as a key point of contact for customers and stakeholders
- Supporting the planning and execution of multiple maintenance inputs
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory, quality and health & safety requirements
- Monitoring productivity and time booking accuracy
- Leading shift handovers and maintaining strong communication between teams
- Supporting performance management, competency reviews and development of engineering personnel
- Promoting a positive, professional and safety‑focused culture across the hangar.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience required:
- A UK CAA Part 66 Licence Category B1 or B2 with C rating and a minimum of two aircraft type ratings
- Previous experience leading or supervising engineering teams within aircraft maintenance environments
- Significant aircraft base maintenance experience with a wide knowledge and skill range in servicing, inspection repair and modifications
- Experience managing multiple maintenance inputs simultaneously
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to make decisions in a dynamic operational environment
- Strong focus on safety, quality and customer service
In addition to a Competitive Salary, we will offer you:
- Great work‑life balance with a 5‑5‑4 shift pattern
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Travel Insurance
- Private Healthcare (after successful passing of probation)
- Free Car Parking
- 2 Paid Volunteering Days each calendar year (subject to line manager approval)
- Investment in Training, Qualifications and Professional Development
Shift Lead in Bournemouth employer: Gama Aviation
Gama Aviation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bournemouth where you can lead and inspire high-performing engineering teams. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and generous benefits including life assurance and private healthcare, we are committed to fostering a positive work-life balance and supporting your career progression in the aviation industry. Join us to be part of a diverse organisation that not only flies but also saves lives and provides critical intelligence, ensuring your role is both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Lead in Bournemouth
✨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 Gama Aviation for a Shift 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 Shift Lead in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Gama Aviation, 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 Gama Aviation, 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 Gama Aviation
✨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 Gama Aviation.
✨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 Gama Aviation. 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 Gama Aviation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.