At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global team to develop innovative aircraft interior products and manage engineering projects.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace company with a commitment to innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, private healthcare, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aviation industry while mentoring future engineers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in engineering, STEM degree preferred, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Lead a global team of multi‑disciplined engineers to develop aircraft interior products and be accountable to internal and external stakeholders for delivery of assigned work packages.
- Drive measurable performance using defined KPIs and ensure consistency across all project phases.
- Own the engineering responsibility for Galley upgrade projects such as in‑service product modification, Trim and Finish (T&F) changes, insert products, cabin reconfigurations, customisation and rebranding for top‑tier airlines.
- Evaluate, verify and design structural modifications to meet certification requirements and Airworthiness Authority regulations.
- Manage all aspects of engineering requirements, from receiving customer specifications to releasing fully verified engineered artifacts.
- Think strategically to identify optimal program approaches, prototype and testing requirements, and risk opportunities.
- Conduct design review meetings to align stakeholders on program design, assumptions and approaches.
- Lead individual design engineers in studies and investigations that support quotations.
- Develop customer relationships based on transparency and trust.
- Act as technical interface for all internal and external stakeholders.
- Author, check and approve technical documentation within delegated authority.
- Co‑coach and review work from cross‑functional teams, building a foundation of design check and approval signatories.
- Monitor, report and act on key performance and leading indicators to ensure predictable outcomes.
- Provide mentorship to develop team technical acumen and obtain signatory authorization.
- Validate sequencing of tasks, dependencies and critical path accuracy.
Qualifications
- Leader mentality with a drive to improve, take on challenges and provide input.
- At least five years of experience in a technical engineering role; STEM degree highly desirable.
- Prior experience designing mechanical/electrical systems for commercial aircraft seating products.
- Expertise in structural analysis across all classical static analysis methods.
- Experience with FAA/EASA certification requirements a plus.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to achieve outcomes through dialogue with stakeholders.
- Understanding of the aircraft interiors industry, including certification, product development and customer expectations.
- Prior or current M1020 Check and Approval signatory experience highly desirable.
- Knowledge of aircraft structural engineering principles.
Benefits
- A competitive salary.
- Bonus scheme.
- Industry‑leading pension scheme (double match contribution up to 10%).
- Private healthcare.
- Life assurance and group income protection scheme participation.
- Employee assistance programme and flexible benefits platform.
- Annual leave buy/sell scheme to support work‑life balance.
- Flexible working arrangements in a clean, safe, and modern environment.
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Principal Engineer employer: Prattwhitney
As a Principal Engineer at our Leighton Buzzard location, you will join a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to transforming aircraft interiors for top-tier airlines. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through mentorship and flexible working arrangements, all while offering competitive benefits such as a double-matched pension scheme and private healthcare. Our commitment to employee well-being and development makes us an exceptional employer in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer
✨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 Prattwhitney for a Principal 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 Principal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Prattwhitney, 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 Prattwhitney, 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 Prattwhitney
✨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 Prattwhitney.
✨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 Prattwhitney. 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 Prattwhitney love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
