At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in mechanical engineering for aerospace and defence systems.
- Company: Join a pioneering company in the aerospace sector with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and opportunities for travel within the UK.
- Other info: Engage with key stakeholders and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a dynamic field while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: 10-15+ years in aerospace engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This role is part of our BlueBear Business Unit. To provide strategic leadership and technical direction for the mechanical engineering department, overseeing the design, development, and delivery of complex aerospace and defence systems. You will be responsible for the mechanical engineering lifecycle, ensuring all solutions meet rigorous quality, safety, and regulatory standards while managing departmental budgets and resource allocation.
Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy: Define and implement the mechanical engineering strategy and vision in alignment with overall business objectives and the Product Maturity Roadmap.
- Department Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of mechanical engineers, managing recruitment, performance reviews, and professional growth.
- Technical Oversight: Act as the Design Authority for mechanical systems, providing final approval for engineering drawings, 3D models, and manufacturing data packs.
- Project Delivery: Oversee the planning and execution of all mechanical engineering deliverables to ensure they are completed On Time, On Cost, and to Quality (OTOCOQ).
- Financial Accountability: Manage the departmental P&L and budgets, ensuring effective resource deployment and cost control across multiple programs.
- Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives in design methodologies, analysis techniques (FEA/CFD), and the implementation of PLM/PDM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter).
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with Civil and Military Aviation regulatory requirements (CAA, MAA, EASA) and industry standards such as BS8888 and AS9145.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary technical point of contact for key customers, partners, and suppliers, supporting new business capture and technical trade studies.
To actively participate in Blue Bear's Performance Management Scheme. To undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably required within the grade and level of the post. You will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your evolving role within the company and the overall business objectives of the company. Some travel within the UK may be required. The above is not an exhaustive list of duties.
Qualifications
- Professional Experience: 10-15+ years in a senior or head of engineering role within the aerospace, defence, or aeronautical industry.
- Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of mechanical principles, 3D CAD (Creo/SolidWorks), GD&T, and advanced analysis tools like ANSYS or MATLAB.
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead and motivate large teams (10+ engineers) through complex hardware development lifecycles.
- System Integration: Experience in the mechanical integration of electronics, propulsion systems, and payloads into airframes or unmanned systems.
- Business Acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, risk assessment, and concurrent engineering practices.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for presenting technical results and KPIs to senior stakeholders.
Desirable Skills
- Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Masters level preferred).
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with a recognized body (IMechE, RAeS) is highly desirable.
- Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC level).
Head of Mechanical Engineering in England employer: Saab AB
At BlueBear, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the aerospace and defence sectors. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive mentorship programmes and continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers. Located in a vibrant area with access to cutting-edge technology and resources, we provide a unique advantage for those looking to make a meaningful impact in mechanical engineering while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Mechanical Engineering in England
✨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 Saab AB for a Head of Mechanical Engineering. 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 Head of Mechanical Engineering in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Saab AB, 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 Saab AB, 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 Saab AB
✨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 Saab AB.
✨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 Saab AB. 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 Saab AB love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
