Structures Technical Authority in Alton

Prismatic is a technology development company, specialising in the design, manufacture and delivery of innovative, high value aerospace products and systems. Prismatic is a subsidiary of BAE systems, led by a technically and commercially focused team. Our cutting-edge systems (such as the high-altitude PHASA-35) have clear commercial value, are developed at pace and address critical customer needs.

We are seeking a highly experienced Structures TA to oversee the development and integration of the structural aspects for our High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) programme. This is a key technical leadership role responsible for delivering reliable, lightweight, and efficient structural hardware for stratospheric autonomous platforms in a mission-critical aerospace/defence environment.

Tasks and Accountabilities

Reporting to the Structures Team Lead and operating under delegated authority from the Chief Engineer, the Structural Engineering Technical Authority serves as the organisation's technical authority for all mechanical structural hardware. This is a senior individual contributor role with no direct line management responsibility, combining hands-on engineering, technical leadership, governance, and mentoring. The role is responsible for ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and compliance of all mechanical structures throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through verification, manufacture, and in-service support.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership
• Serve as the recognised structural engineering Technical Authority.
• Lead the development and release of mechanical structural hardware including but not limited to:
• Airframe structures (fuselage, wings, and tailplane).
• Flight control mechanisms and supporting structures.
• Launch and landing gear systems.
• Structural interfaces and mechanical assemblies.
• Bespoke structural solutions for aerospace applications.
• Lightweight, high-performance structures capable of operating in demanding environments.
• Load analyses, calculations, assessments of engineering changes.
• Applying design-for-manufacture, design-for-test and maintainability principles.
• Ensuring test rigs are suitable for relevant structural testing.
• Carry out detailed design on mechanical structure architecture, component selection and supplier engagement suitable for operating in extreme environments.
• Apply appropriate design assurance practices, including requirements traceability, structural substantiation, component/material selection, thermal assessment, design-for-manufacture, design-for-test, verification planning and maintenance of design records.
• Coach and develop team members to continuously develop the mechanical structures teams’ capabilities.
• Promote a culture of safety, technical integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Project Delivery
• Collaborate with other teams including Systems, Avionics, Power, Propulsion, Integration and Flight engineering teams to define mechanical interfaces across multiple engineering disciplines to ensure successful end to end mechanical structures integration.
• Support planning, scheduling and reporting of structural engineering activities.
• Support project teams in resolving complex technical challenges.
• Approve engineering concessions, deviations and waivers.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the business and directed by line management.

Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven structural design and analysis experience within aerospace or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials and manufacturing methods.
• Experience with structural integrity, fatigue and damage tolerance.
• Aerodynamics awareness and structural load assessment.
• Experience with structural analysis software and engineering tools.
• Proven delivery of complex mechanical structural projects from requirements through verification and release.
• Excellent communication skills including technical documentation.
• Ability to lead technical reviews and mentor other engineers.
• Aerospace, defence, space, UAV or other safety- or mission-critical product experience.
• Environmental qualification experience, including thermal and vibration considerations.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC or DV).

Personal Attributes

• Strong technical leadership with a hands-on engineering approach.
• Excellent communication, documentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• High levels of technical credibility and professional judgement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to influence multidisciplinary engineering teams without direct management authority.

Additional Information

• UK-based and other locations including Domestic and International Assignments.

What We Offer

• Location: Alton (Hampshire), UK.
• Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week (excluding breaks).
• Hybrid working (where applicable), giving you the flexibility to balance time between home and our offices (norm is 3 days a week).
• Bonus: Non contractual company performance related bonus.
• Pension: 10% company contribution, plus salary exchange options for AVCs.
• Green Benefits: Access to our Green Car/EV scheme via salary exchange.
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (rising to 28 days after 3 years’ service).
• Employee Schemes: Eligibility for the BAE Systems Share Incentive Scheme, Company Performance Free Share awards, Cycle to Work scheme, and a Halfords Trade Discount Card.
• Community & Culture: Social and employee engagement activities through our Prismatic Pulse group.
• Wellbeing: Access to Occupational Health support, including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Inclusion

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our team and is vital to the work we do.

Proud to Support the Armed Forces Community

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and holders of the Bronze Award, demonstrating our commitment to supporting those who serve and have served. We recognise that the discipline, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and resilience gained through military life are a huge asset to our organisation. That’s why we actively encourage applications from veterans, reservists, and the partners and families of those serving. If you’ve served in any capacity, or supported someone who has, we’d love to hear from you.