At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative composite fan case solutions for civil aerospace.
- Company: Join NCC, a leader in shaping the future of civil aerospace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, private medical cover, and flexible working.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous learning and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace with cutting-edge technology and collaborative projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in aerospace composite manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 56641 - 77183 £ per year.
Location: Bristol hybrid working (2 days in the office as a minimum)
Salary: £56,641 - £77,183 depending on experience + benefits
At NCC, we’re shaping the future of civil aerospace—from eVTOLs to next-generation passenger aircraft and rotorcraft. Our work spans structures, propulsion, fuel systems, control systems, landing gear, braking systems, and interiors.
We’re seeking a Principal Sector Engineer to lead the technical delivery of a customer aero-engine fan case development portfolio within the civil aerospace team, directly reporting to the sector Chief Engineer.
What you’ll be doing:
The role focusses on developing manufacturing composite fan case solutions for high-bypass turbo fan engines in close collaboration with the customer and industrial partners under Collaborative Research & Development (CR&D) and Private Venture (PV) funding routes. As a technical leadership position, you will be expected to manage internal and external stakeholders, lead research teams, plan research and Technical Readiness Level (TRL) progression and monitoring.
What we’re looking for:
- A proactive and accountable leader with a commitment to high performance culture, attention to detail and a willingness to challenge the status quo through leadership, governance and effective risk management.
- Strong customer engagement skills, ensuring clear requirements and communication.
- A structured, capable engineer with proven experience in advanced composite manufacturing development for aerospace or similar sectors.
- Proven experience in manufacturing development of turbo fan aero-engine components (ideally composites).
- A systems thinking mindset, able to manage complexity, uncertainty and competing technical, commercial, programme and quality requirements.
- Extensive knowledge of composite materials, manual and automated manufacturing processes, particularly AFP and ATL and component assembly.
- Experience of composite tooling, design, process simulation, digital manufacturing technologies and inspection techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams in R&D, ideally within TRL 3–6.
- Experience in supply chain engagement activities and ability to build productive supplier relationships.
Closing date for applications: 23:59 Sunday 23rd August 2026. Please don't wait for the closing deadline if you are interested in this role as we retain the right to close the applications process early depending on the volume of candidates applying.
What we offer in return:
- 12.5% employer pension contribution
- Private medical cover
- Hybrid and flexible working as standard
- Support to keep learning and progressing
- University of Bristol honorary staff status
Principal / Senior Principal Sector Engineer – Fan Case employer: National Composites Centre
As a Facilities Manager at the National Composites Centre, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation located on the picturesque Isle of Wight, where innovation meets a supportive work culture. The company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including a generous pension scheme and private medical insurance, as well as ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a collaborative environment that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
National Composites Centre Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal / Senior Principal Sector Engineer – Fan Case
✨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 National Composites Centre for a Principal / Senior Principal Sector Engineer – Fan Case. 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 Principal / Senior Principal Sector Engineer – Fan Case
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at National Composites Centre, 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 National Composites Centre, 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 National Composites Centre
✨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 National Composites Centre.
✨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 National Composites Centre. 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 National Composites Centre love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
