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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead advanced defence systems testing and mentor engineers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aviation and defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, and flexible leave options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and sustainability in aerospace and defence.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in mechanical/hydraulic testing and strong problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for structured training and career progression in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
What do we offer?
- Competitive salary
- Company performance bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Comprehensive health cash plan
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
- Structured training & opportunities to progress
What does the role look like?
We are seeking an experienced Principal Development Engineer to play a critical leadership role in delivering verification and qualification test evidence for advanced defence systems. This is a senior technical position where you will lead the planning and execution of development and qualification activities, ensuring compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. Acting as the focal point for the wider Development team, you will provide technical direction, resolve complex challenges, mentor engineers, and drive delivery to demanding timescales.
You will combine deep technical expertise with strong organisational and communication skills to ensure high-quality deliverables, robust process compliance and successful programme outcomes.
What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
- Translate customer requirements into detailed test definitions and formal Qualification Test Procedures
- Lead the planning, setup and execution of mechanical, hydraulic, environmental and performance testing
- Define and commission test equipment and rigs to support qualification activities
- Manage on-site and off-site qualification testing, including coordination of external test facilities
- Interpret and analyse test data, lead failure investigations and provide technical recommendations
- Generate and approve development and qualification documentation and reports
- Perform functional and acceptance testing of development units
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to the Development team, supporting problem resolution and capability growth
- Ensure adherence to EH&S standards, process compliance and high housekeeping standards
What will you bring to the role?
Essential skills:
- Extensive experience in mechanical/hydraulic and environmental qualification testing (strength, fatigue, endurance, vibration, temperature, humidity, contaminants, fire resistance)
- Proven capability in managing qualification testing (on-site and off-site), including documentation, data analysis and failure investigation
- Strong technical judgement with the ability to lead problem resolution and deliver compliant solutions within defined timescales
Desirable skills:
- Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Experience with rig software (e.g. LabVIEW, DIAdem)
- Electrical testing knowledge (bonding, EMC)
- Test rig specification and commissioning experience
- Exposure to non-standard test methodologies and process improvement initiatives
Principal Development Engineer in Wolverhampton employer: Safran Actuation Systems
Contact Detail:
Safran Actuation Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Development Engineer in Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Safran's projects and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission to create a safer, more sustainable world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail. They’ll want to see how your expertise aligns with their needs, especially in mechanical and hydraulic testing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Safran.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Development Engineer in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Development Engineer role. Highlight your experience in mechanical and hydraulic testing, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. 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 passionate about contributing to a safer, more sustainable world through your engineering expertise. Let us know how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at Safran.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in qualification testing and data analysis. Mention any specific tools or software you’ve used, like LabVIEW or DIAdem, as this will help us see your hands-on experience.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran Actuation Systems
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and hydraulic qualification testing knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you've used in the past, especially around strength, fatigue, and environmental testing. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Development Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you resolved them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and leadership style.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Safran's commitment to sustainability and innovation in aviation and defence. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a safer, more environmentally friendly world.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during your interview. Review common test definitions and procedures, and be ready to explain how you would approach setting up and executing various tests. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
