Head of Mechanical Engineering

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

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.

Key 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.

Skills and Experience:

Essential Skills

• 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).

Other Duties and Responsibilities

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. 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.

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.