At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flight test activities and ensure safe, effective delivery across diverse aircraft.
- Company: Line Up Aviation, a global leader in aviation recruitment with over 35 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great benefits package, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to integrity, excellence, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a direct impact on military readiness and work with cutting-edge Electronic Warfare systems.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Line Up Aviation is a specialist aviation and aerospace recruitment company that has been operating worldwide for more than 35 years. We work with some of the industry's best-known companies who demand the highest standards.
On behalf of our global client, we are currently recruiting a Lead Flight Test Engineer to join their team in Bournemouth. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role at the cutting edge of Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training, supporting the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies worldwide.
Location: Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Work Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive plus a great benefits package
Joining our client means that you will make a difference:
- Direct impact on front line military readiness
- Exposure to complex flight test programmes
- Opportunities to work across a wide range of aircraft platforms
- A culture built on Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Team Working alongside some of the most experienced EW and aviation specialists in the industry
- A genuinely global aviation career
Reporting directly to the Flight Test Manager, you will lead the definition, planning, execution and reporting of flight test activity across our client's European fleet which is diverse and unique. Your work will directly support the continued evolution of next generation EW training systems, ensuring that our client remains the partner of choice for complex, high end defence training.
Working hand in hand with our Design Office, maintenance teams, and test pilots, you will lead flight test programmes from concept through to delivery, both in the UK and across global deployment locations. You will also play a key role in navigating regulatory and certification landscapes, securing the approvals required to conduct safe, effective, and compliant flight testing.
The Lead Flight Test Engineer role is a flying role. When not conducting flight test duties and depending on previous qualifications, opportunities to conduct Operational Readiness Training as a rear crew may be available in a variety of aircraft and roles. The role requires international travel, with deployments across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the safe and effective delivery of flight test activities in the UK and at deployed locations worldwide
- Plan and conduct airborne and ground flight testing as a Lead Flight Test Engineer
- Develop and own test strategies, test plans, and test procedures
- Maintain close collaboration with the Design Office, including participation in design and technical safety reviews
- Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements
- Produce clear, high quality flight test reports
- Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels
- Ensure full regulatory compliance, cultivating trusted relationships with the UK CAA and other regulatory authorities
Essential Experience & Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple air vehicle types
- Qualification as a Flight Test Engineer from a recognised and approved Flight Test Training Organisation
- Hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK Security Clearance (SC)
- Hold, or be able to meet, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical standard
Desirable Experience & Qualifications:
- Cat 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification
- Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer
- Degree (BSc / BEng or higher) in an engineering or science related discipline
- Knowledge of UK, US and European civil and military regulatory frameworks
- Experience with COTS or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
- Background in military EW / RF jamming, or specialist EW roles supporting the RAF or RN
- Previous UAS / RPAS experience
The Commitment:
Our client is committed to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism. They value diversity of thought, experience, and background, because better teams deliver better outcomes. They are proud to be an Armed Forces friendly organisation and actively welcome applications from veterans, service spouses, and partners. They are a Disability Confident employer and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. They are unequivocal in their stance: intolerance has no place. Every team member deserves respect, fairness, and the opportunity to succeed.
Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth employer: Line Up Aviation
Line Up Aviation is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Lead Flight Test Engineer to work at the forefront of Electronic Warfare and Operational Readiness Training in Bournemouth. With a commitment to integrity, service, and excellence, employees benefit from a collaborative culture, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside opportunities for international travel and professional growth within a globally recognised organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Flight Test Engineer 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 Line Up Aviation for a Lead Flight Test Engineer. 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 Lead Flight Test Engineer in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Line Up 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 Line Up 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 Line Up 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 Line Up 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 Line Up 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 Line Up Aviation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
