At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative seat component designs from concept to manufacture while mentoring a team.
- Company: Join Safran Seats, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, private medical cover, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic, inclusive environment with excellent career growth and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace design and work on exciting projects that shape the future.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering and experience with CATIA V5 required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 € per year.
Published 05.08.2026
Company: Safran Seats
Job field: Mechanics
Location: Cwmbran, Wales, United Kingdom
Contract type: Permanent
Contract duration: Full-time
Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager
Job Description
Safran – Here, we craft excellence together. At Safran, excellence is a journey – and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.
We are looking for passionate individuals to join our Mechanical Design Engineer team as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at our Cwmbran site.
About the role:
As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will lead the development of innovative seat components from early concept through to manufacture, owning the technical quality of your designs. You will guide and mentor a small team of engineers while ensuring every solution meets our customer, regulatory and airframer requirements. Working across multiple modules, you will drive design reviews, manage product maturity in our PLM systems and ensure seamless integration within the wider project. This is a role for someone who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges, collaborating with suppliers and stakeholders, and shaping high-quality products.
Key Responsibilities:
- To aid in the development of new product designs and their structure in the PLM system.
- To manage the product maturity and development in the PLM system.
- To lead the design effort for packages of work or modules and to develop and manage the tasks and deliverables of a team of design engineers.
- To design check the modules (2D, 3D, EBoMs) against internal standards and be responsible for the technical accuracy of designs prior to processing for release.
- Responsible for the design and detail modelling of a variety of suite components in order to meet the customer, regulatory and OEM requirements.
- To monitor, manage and meet the cost and weight targets.
- Expected to communicate effectively and professionally with customers and suppliers as well as to manage data transfer as required for product development or other needs.
- Organise and participate in Design Reviews throughout each phase of the New Product Introduction process. Ensure that all necessary follow up actions are taken.
- To ensure the selection and application of materials and processes are appropriate to each design element and are in line with standards, materials and processes guides.
- Ensure the successful integration of each of their module(s) within the product as a whole.
- Manage design changes as required to support manufacturing/production, customers, quality, and certification.
- Generate and/or revise specifications.
- Coach, mentor and develop less experienced design engineers (apprentices, graduates etc.).
- To work towards achieving design signatory status.
- Assisting in recruitment of team members when required.
Job Requirements
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Qualified to a minimum of degree in a Mechanical / Aerospace / Structural Engineering field. Alternatively a HNC/HND or an equivalent qualification in Mechanical / Aerospace / Structural Engineering apprenticeship, with extensive experience in mechanical systems design, developing concept and detailing engineering solutions.
- Highly Proficient with experience in CATIA V5 (or other 3D CAD packages) and Product Life Management (PLM) Systems.
- Ability to plan and schedule design activities across multiple design modules.
- Understanding of the effective application of tolerances and a working knowledge of manufacturing processes, as well as OEM installation requirements.
- A working knowledge of these main methods of manufacture sheet metal fabrication, plastics vacuum forming, CNC machining.
- Ability to read mechanical design drawings and specifications.
- Proven experience supervising a team Mechanical Design engineers.
Desirable:
- Experience in working with Boeing and Airbus specifications for interiors design or other equivalent OEM specifications.
- Experience in new model introduction.
Competencies, Behaviours and Skills
Essential:
- Strong problem solving ability to support on complex programmes.
- Good communicator liaising with customers/airframers/suppliers and integrated programme team on a daily basis. Able to clearly define expectations and gain understanding.
At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone. We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.
But what else? (advantages, specific features, etc.)
Why work at Safran:
- A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
- Inclusive & empowering environment: We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
- Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place.
- Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities.
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you—both in and out of work, including:
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays).
- Industry leading pension scheme with salary sacrifice employer contributions up to 10%.
- Private medical cover (to include Digital GP and rapid access Physio with no excess) with ability to upgrade level of benefit and cover family members.
- Access to salary sacrifice benefits scheme including cycle to work and Octopus EV Scheme.
- 4 x Life Assurance.
- Interactive benefits platform including wide range of discretionary benefits including technology, retail benefits, income protection.
- Enhanced family friendly policies and benefits and employee assistance programme.
- Annual share save schemes.
Company Information
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 is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world.
Locate your future workplace: Llantarnam Industrial Park NP44 3HQ Cwmbran Wales United Kingdom
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Safran companies
At Safran Seats in Cwmbran, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, making it an exceptional place for Senior Mechanical Design Engineers to thrive. With a commitment to employee development through tailored training programmes and a supportive work environment, we empower our team to tackle complex engineering challenges while enjoying competitive benefits such as 33 days of holiday and a leading pension scheme. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and defence, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Safran or other companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best design projects, especially those that highlight your experience with CATIA V5 and PLM systems. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common engineering challenges and solutions. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex problems in the past, especially in team settings. Remember, they want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Safran team. So, get your application in and let’s craft excellence together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with CATIA V5 and PLM systems, as well as any relevant projects that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to lead a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about aerospace and how your background aligns with our mission at Safran. Don’t forget to mention your experience with OEM specifications and your approach to mentoring less experienced engineers.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve contributed to previous projects, especially in terms of cost and weight targets.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you can ensure all your documents are submitted correctly and you’ll be kept in the loop about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran companies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mechanical design principles, especially those relevant to aerospace. Familiarise yourself with CATIA V5 and PLM systems, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role will show you're the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll be expected to guide and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and how you've tackled complex engineering challenges.
✨Communicate Effectively
Safran values good communication, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to discuss how you've liaised with customers, suppliers, and team members in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and manage expectations.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Since you'll be organising and participating in design reviews, think about how you can contribute to these discussions. Be prepared to talk about your approach to design checks and how you ensure technical accuracy. Showing that you understand the importance of feedback and iteration will set you apart.
