At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex aerospace projects and drive performance using defined KPIs.
- Company: Join Collins Aerospace, a leader in innovative aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, competitive salary, and fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace industry with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a technical role with strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom
Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.
What you will do
- This role focuses on driving measurable performance using defined KPIs and ensuring consistency across all project phases.
- The successful candidate will directly report to the Senior Program Engineering Manager and will operate day‑to‑day within a Program Management Team supporting the Program Chief Engineer.
- Define and maintain clear, structured scope aligned to project objectives.
- Control scope changes to prevent uncontrolled deviation and develop robust, logically linked project schedules.
- Support development plans achieving a high First Pass Yield (FPY) at key gates.
- Validate sequencing of tasks, dependencies, and critical path accuracy.
- Pro‑actively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, drive risk reduction, retirement, and burndown trends.
- Protect the program by containing and resolving issues in a timely, structured manner and develop and execute recovery plans.
- Serve as technical interface for all internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop customer relationships based on transparency and trust.
- Author, check, and approve technical documentation in accordance with delegation of authority.
- Monitor, report, and act upon key performance and leading indicators to help achieve predictable outcomes.
Experience & Qualifications we prefer
- The successful candidate will be a self‑starter with strong customer focus and a mindset to take on challenges and create solutions.
- Have at least 5 years’ experience in a technical role, with engineering/manufacturing experience essential.
- Be able to lead a cross‑functional, global team to deliver complex product development through a gated NPI process.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills and achieve desired outcomes through dialogue with a range of stakeholders.
- Possess experience within and an understanding of the aircraft interiors industry, including certification, product development, and customer expectations (desirable).
- Be literate and adaptable with a variety of project management and engineering software tools (Teamcentre, Primavera, MS365, CATIA V5, etc.).
- Apply fundamental project management methodologies.
What we offer
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
- Fantastic pension scheme.
- Critical illness cover, income protection and private medical insurance.
- Employee Assistance Programme, ability to buy holidays, cycle‑to‑work scheme and other employee discounts.
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Principal Project Engineer in Leighton Buzzard employer: Prattwhitney
Collins Aerospace is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Principal Project Engineer to thrive. Located in Leighton Buzzard, employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a leading aerospace technology firm. With a commitment to employee well-being and a diverse work environment, Collins Aerospace empowers its team to tackle complex challenges while building meaningful relationships with customers and stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Project Engineer in Leighton Buzzard
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Collins Aerospace on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your project management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects, especially around KPIs and risk management. We want to see that you can think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical know-how! Bring examples of your work that highlight your experience with engineering software tools like Teamcentre or CATIA V5. We love seeing how you’ve used these tools to drive project success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Collins Aerospace.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Engineer in Leighton Buzzard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Project Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in project management and engineering, especially any work related to aerospace or manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about aerospace technology and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex discussions in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there, which can help you tailor your application even further!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prattwhitney
✨Know Your KPIs
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've used KPIs in past projects to drive performance and ensure consistency. This shows you understand the importance of measurable outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with engineering and project management software like Teamcentre, Primavera, and CATIA V5. Highlight specific projects where you successfully applied these tools to solve problems or improve processes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Think of examples where you've led cross-functional teams. Be ready to share how you managed diverse stakeholders and drove complex product development through a gated NPI process. This will illustrate your ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Practice discussing how you've developed customer relationships based on transparency and trust. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your communication skills and how you've navigated challenges with various stakeholders.
