At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive project performance and manage risks in aerospace technology.
- Company: Join Collins Aerospace, a leader in innovative aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, competitive salary, and fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of redefining aerospace technology and lead global teams.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a technical role with strong communication 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 employer: Prattwhitney
Collins Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leighton Buzzard where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, all while fostering a culture of transparency and trust. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your professional development in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Project Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace industry, especially those at Collins Aerospace. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to project management and engineering. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. This is key for a Principal Project Engineer role where risk management is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Collins Aerospace.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Engineer
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 with KPIs and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role at Collins Aerospace. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical skills and familiarity with tools like Teamcentre, Primavera, and CATIA V5. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll get to see all the other amazing opportunities we have available!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prattwhitney
✨Know Your KPIs
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the Principal Project Engineer role. Be ready to discuss how you've used KPIs in past projects to drive performance and ensure consistency across all phases.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Brush up on your engineering and project management software skills, especially with tools like Teamcentre, Primavera, and CATIA V5. Be prepared to give examples of how you've successfully used these tools in previous roles to manage complex product development.
✨Demonstrate Risk Management Expertise
Collins Aerospace values proactive risk management. Think of specific instances where you've identified, assessed, and mitigated project risks. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes, as this will show your ability to protect the programme effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with internal and external stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain transparency and trust, as this aligns with the company's values and expectations.
