At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of complex electronic hardware solutions and mentor a talented engineering team.
- Company: A leading tech organisation in secure communications and defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on mission-critical technology.
- Other info: Must be a sole UK national eligible for security clearance.
- Why this job: Shape hardware practices and influence engineering strategy in a skilled environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in hardware engineering and a degree in Electronic Engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
A leading technology organisation operating within the secure communications and defence sector is seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Technical Lead to provide technical leadership across the development of complex electronic hardware solutions. This is a senior engineering role combining hands-on technical delivery, hardware governance, process improvement, and team mentorship. You will act as a technical authority across electronics, mechanical design, and FPGA disciplines, driving engineering excellence and ensuring the successful delivery of high-assurance hardware products.
Working closely with systems engineers, software teams, manufacturing partners, and project managers, you will provide technical direction across the full hardware lifecycle, from architecture and design through verification, production introduction, and sustaining engineering. Due to business requirements applicants must be a sole UK national and eligible to obtain UK security clearance.
Key Responsibilities- Hardware Leadership & Engineering Governance: Define and improve hardware development processes, tools, and engineering workflows. Provide technical leadership across electronic, mechanical, and FPGA engineering activities. Drive engineering governance through design reviews, quality standards, and stage-gated development processes. Provide architectural guidance across hardware integration, PCB design, and thermal considerations. Support project delivery by identifying and resolving technical challenges.
- Team Mentorship & Development: Mentor and support hardware engineers, helping develop technical capability and engineering best practices. Identify skills gaps, training requirements, and future capability needs. Promote collaboration across electronics, FPGA, mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams.
- Hardware Development & Technical Delivery: Lead electronic architecture design, schematic capture, high-speed digital design, and PCB layout oversight. Drive hardware design verification and validation activities. Own technical aspects of New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring smooth transition from development into manufacturing. Provide technical support for manufacturing challenges, testing issues, and component lifecycle management. Support continuous improvement of existing hardware platforms and product lines.
- 10+ years’ experience within hardware engineering and electronic design environments.
- Degree in Electronic Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Proven experience leading hardware development activities and defining engineering processes.
- Strong understanding of hardware quality frameworks, governance, and technical reviews.
- Experience working across PCB, FPGA, and mechanical engineering disciplines.
- Must be a sole UK national and eligible to obtain UK security clearance.
- Experience with FPGA integration, programmable logic workflows, and high-speed digital interfaces.
- Knowledge of Design for Test (DFT) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) methodologies.
- Experience designing and delivering electronic products within defence, aerospace, or other high-assurance industries.
- Strong track record of mentoring engineers and improving technical capability without relying on formal management structures.
This is an opportunity to take a leading technical role within a highly skilled engineering environment, shaping hardware development practices and contributing to the delivery of secure, mission-critical technology. You will have the opportunity to influence engineering strategy, mentor talented engineers, and play a key role in delivering complex electronic systems from concept through to production.
Senior Hardware Technical Lead in Farnborough employer: Holt Executive
Holt Executive is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of advanced flight simulation systems. Employees benefit from generous perks such as a discretionary bonus, private medical insurance, and a robust pension scheme, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the picturesque setting of Pulborough, UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Hardware Technical Lead in Farnborough
✨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 Holt Executive for a Senior Hardware 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 Senior Hardware Technical Lead in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Holt Executive, 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 Holt Executive, 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 Holt Executive
✨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 Holt Executive.
✨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 Holt Executive. 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 Holt Executive love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
