At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in mechanical engineering for aerospace and defence systems.
- Company: Join Saab UK, a leader in defence and security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and travel.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in aerospace or defence engineering with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
What you will be part of: 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.
The Role: 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.
Head of Mechanical Engineering in London employer: Saab UK
Saab UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and personal growth within the defence and aerospace sectors. With a commitment to employee development, competitive benefits, and a culture that values collaboration and excellence, Saab empowers its team to push technological boundaries while ensuring safety and security for society. Located across multiple sites in the UK, employees benefit from diverse opportunities and a strong sense of purpose in their work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Mechanical Engineering in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace and defence industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in mechanical engineering and any leadership roles you've held. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved processes – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Saab and its projects. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make some waves together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Mechanical Engineering in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership roles and technical expertise in mechanical engineering to show us you're the right fit for the Head of Mechanical Engineering position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Saab. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires deep knowledge of mechanical principles and tools like 3D CAD, make sure to include relevant certifications and experiences. We want to see how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining the Saab team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saab UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like 3D CAD software and advanced analysis tools. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a leader but also technically savvy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in complex projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and developing engineers, as this role requires strong leadership to guide a multidisciplinary team.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with financial management and resource allocation strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and ensured cost control in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Mechanical Engineering position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've interacted with key customers and partners in the past. Prepare to share your experiences in stakeholder engagement and how you've supported new business capture, as this will be important for building relationships in this role.
