Composite Development Leader

Job Description Summary
Here at Dowty (a GE Aerospace company) we are hiring for a Product Development Leader who will be responsible for delivering future products for the Dowty business, from technology and capability maturation through to qualification and certification. Through engagement with the strategy development process, you will build product and technology roadmaps and execute these through wide-ranging projects and demonstrator programmes, leading to engineering activity to deliver new product introduction to customer requirements. Leading a team of technology specialists and engineering project managers, you will develop and enhance the capabilities of the business and coordinate activities throughout the engineering function.

Job Description

Dowty Propellers (a GE Aerospace company) is a world leading supplier of aircraft propeller systems. With our expertise in the development, design, manufacture, certification, and support of electrohydraulic controlled variable pitch all composite bladed propeller systems, Dowty Propellers provide solutions for the propulsion needs of today and tomorrow. Our products are used in applications that range from commercial regional aircraft and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft. With a proven record of product development, introduction and support, Dowty Propellers continually invests in technologies, production capabilities and human resources to provide propeller systems that are safe, efficient, and reliable to support today\’s turboprop aircraft and the increased sustainability needs for the aircraft powerplants of tomorrow.

Dowty has a history of firsts-to-market, including the all-composite propeller blade and first full-authority digital propeller control. More than 25,000 advanced composite blades have been delivered to date, with the lead propellers logging some 50,000 hours of flight time.

Dowty Propellers\’ products are backed by a worldwide customer and product support network that includes locations in Europe, North America, and Australia, as well as a growing team of field service engineers that are deployed globally to customer locations and operating bases.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Collaboration cross-functionally across the business to evolve and maintain the product and technology roadmaps as part of the ongoing strategy process, aligning to customer, industry and market developments.
• Building execution plans to deliver the technology and product roadmaps in line with business needs, balancing investment and resources to match achievements to the most critical priorities; maintain tight integration with the programme management team to align needs and outcomes with the wider business.
• Leadership, support and development of the product development team, including: recruitment and induction of new team members; team member career development and ongoing appraisal processes; training, coaching and mentoring for continuous improvement.
• Continual engagement with the engineering discipline leaders to share demand and agree resource supply plans to achieve the business objectives and continually enhance capabilities.
• Engagement with the technical authorities to communicate product and technology development needs, obtain expertise and best practice as needed and align on technical direction.
• Leadership of technical excellence within the team, including engagement with technical activities when required; creating, developing and enhancing processes and practices.
• Financial oversight, including budgeting and tracking of spend, approval of labour vouchering, travel expenses, project spend and other business processes.
• Upholding and developing strong Lean principles, approaches, standard work and daily management within the team; leading and supporting Lean activities and events to achieve business priorities.
• Communication and reporting through regular reviews covering current status, projects, investigations and general activities, business issues, risks and opportunities.
• Participation in the engineering leadership team to improve effectiveness, resolve issues, develop improved understanding and processes that better support the overall business activities.

Required Qualifications

This role requires significant experience in Engineering/Technology & Functional Management. Knowledge level is comparable to a Master\’s degree from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma with relevant experience).

Desired Characteristics

• Experience in engineering product development in aerospace or similarly-regulated industry, ideally in a UKCAA/EASA Part-21 Design Organisation
• Technical background in complex systems including mechanical, aircraft control and/or electronic control systems, and a working knowledge of hydro-mechanical control systems would be advantageous.
• Adept in applying and enhancing technology roadmapping and capability maturation processes.
• Strength in customer relationship management.
• Established project management skills with demonstrated ability to lead programs / projects.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems with a structured process mindset.

Flexible Working

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance.

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs;

• Non-contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

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