At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology development for innovative aerospace projects and shape the future of manufacturing.
- Company: Join NCC, a pioneering organisation bridging academia and industry in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving R&D facility with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace technology while collaborating with top experts in the field.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or equivalent experience, with strong project management and technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 64122 - 77183 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Technology Development Lead - Aerospace role at NCC – Innovating for Industry.
Location: Bristol based with Hybrid working
Salary: £64,122 - £77,183 Depending on Experience + Benefits
Closing Date: 25th January 2026 – We reserve the right to close this advert early if required.
About the role:
As demand grows, we are expanding our Technology Team and recruiting a Technology Development Lead who will be accountable for the development of strategic technologies in support of the overall business strategic priorities. This specific role will be to take responsibility for the technology development needed to support the growing Aerospace portfolio at the NCC. This pivotal role will help shape, specify and deliver the next generation of manufacturing technologies needed to support future aircraft programmes. Reporting to the Head of Technology Development, your role will support the strategic relationships with key partners and stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, to ensure the NCC is well positioned at the creation stage of large, influential strategic initiatives. You will also be accountable for the delivery of identified projects and programmes in line with the defined strategic objectives to time, cost and quality in line with processes.
What you’ll be doing:
- Head technology development programme/s (region and/or technology focused) utilising all relevant process and tools
- Help create technology roadmaps, in support of the NCC technology strategy
- Actively support the internal and external communication of technology activities and achievements
- Provide technical oversight, directly or in partnership with the relevant Chief Engineer or Technologist
- Support the NCC Technology Team in horizon scanning to identify strategic development prospects and/or partnership that can enable the NCC to mature existing, and/or foster nascent, market opportunities
- Support the NCC Strategy Team to ensure the wider NCC strategy and business planning is effective and reflective of changing landscapes and arising opportunities
So, what are we looking for?
- Significant technical knowledge of composites technology, its development and application across multiple sectors
- Engineering Degree or equivalent industrial experience
- Strong Technical project management experience
- Experience of complex, industry-led multi-partner programmes involving private and public sector organisations
- Significant experience of collaborative R&D programmes in an interdisciplinary environment (academia and industry)
- Management experience in a strategy & delivery role within an innovation-intensive industrial sector, consultancy, or public sector body
What do we offer in return?
Hybrid and flexible working patterns as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.
Who are NCC?
We bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping companies of all sizes to capitalise on cutting-edge innovations to deliver more. We do this at every stage of their journey and across the entire product lifecycle, from the earliest concept to end-of-life. Part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult and the University of Bristol, we’ve evolved from our origins as the National Centre of Excellence in composite technology. We provide a gateway to world-class expertise, advanced facilities, and industrial collaboration. A not-for-profit organisation, we leverage these assets to complement our customers’ capabilities, helping them to develop their people, grow, compete, and succeed through technology and product leadership. As well as working with industrial partners, we help create the conditions that enable UK innovators and industry to thrive. This includes providing national and local decision-makers with insight and evidence to inform strategy, policy, and investment decisions.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Engineering and Project Management
Industries: Research Services
Technology Development Lead - Aerospace in Bristol employer: NCC – Innovating for Industry
NCC is an exceptional employer located in Northwich, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the advanced materials sector. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, annual reviews, and comprehensive perks such as private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme, all while being part of a team dedicated to pioneering advancements in carbon fibre technology. With a strong emphasis on professional development, NCC provides ample opportunities for growth and skill enhancement, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
NCC – Innovating for Industry Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Development Lead - Aerospace in Bristol
✨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 NCC – Innovating for Industry for a Technology Development Lead - Aerospace. 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 Technology Development Lead - Aerospace in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at NCC – Innovating for Industry, 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 NCC – Innovating for Industry, 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 NCC – Innovating for Industry
✨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 NCC – Innovating for Industry.
✨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 NCC – Innovating for Industry. 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 NCC – Innovating for Industry love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
