At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering efforts for cutting-edge Electro-Mechanical Actuation systems in defence.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while collaborating with diverse, skilled teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in EMA systems and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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:
- Competitive salary and annual bonus and pay review
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Comprehensive health cash plan
- Flexible working options
- Pension (10% employer contribution) and life assurance
- Early finish on Fridays
- Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
- Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
- Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies
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.
About Safran Actuation Systems UK: Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world‑class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight‑control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.
Your Role: We are looking for passionate individuals to join our Global Defence Systems team as Programme Chief Engineer at our Wolverhampton site. 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.
Responsibilities: The Programme Chief Engineer will act as the technical authority for the Electro‑Mechanical Actuation (EMA) product line within the Global Defence Systems value stream.
- Lead the engineering effort across the Integrated Project Team, ensuring decisions are made effectively, technical challenges are resolved, and customer expectations are met.
- Work closely with the IPT Lead (programme/system ownership), while owning technical leadership, architecture decisions, customer technical engagement, and engineering governance.
- Provide technical leadership to the IPT, ensuring EMA systems are delivered to regulatory and customer requirements.
- Own the system architecture and ensure compliance across the full lifecycle: proposal, definition, design, verification, manufacturing, sustainment.
- Make informed, timely technical decisions and drive engineering clarity when working with incomplete or uncertain data.
- Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring alignment and efficient problem-solving.
- Act as the primary technical contact for major customers (e.g., Lockheed Martin).
- Lead customer and supplier technical discussions, reviews, and negotiations.
- Support relationship‑building and alignment, especially where challenges currently exist (including the India design centre).
- Collaborate with the IPT Lead to develop schedules, plans, and milestone strategies (e.g., PDR, CDR, qualification).
- Ensure robust requirements management, including use of tools such as DOORS.
- Champion configuration management, quality, and product safety standards.
- Lead product safety assessments and represent the IPT at the Collins Product Safety Board.
- Support Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain with RCCA investigations, cost reduction, and zero‑defect initiatives.
- Provide leadership for sustainment, repair, obsolescence, and re‑introduction activities.
- Review supplier designs and oversee systems‑engineering deliverables.
- Mentor, coach, and support engineers across the IPT.
- Promote a collaborative, innovative, and technically disciplined culture.
What You’ll Bring: Experience in EMA systems (electrical‑mechanical actuation), motor drives, power electronics, gearboxes, and control systems. Aerospace or defence background preferred; strong automotive experience considered where relevant. Understanding of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, and software/firmware systems. Knowledge of architecture development, system sizing, trade studies, interface control, and compliance analysis. Familiarity with PLM and CAD systems. Proactive decision‑maker with strong ownership. Confidence in leading in ambiguous environments and able to “work in the grey.” Strong communicator who can influence at all levels, including senior leadership and customers. Ability to build global relationships and manage cross‑site collaboration. Resilient, composed, and capable of driving alignment across diverse teams.
Programme Chief Engineer M/F in Wolverhampton employer: Safran companies
At Safran Actuation Systems UK in Wolverhampton, we prioritise our employees' well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary, flexible working options, and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and diversity, ensuring that every team member can contribute to meaningful projects in the aerospace sector while enjoying a family-friendly environment with excellent onsite amenities. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your skills will make a significant impact on the future of aerospace technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Chief Engineer M/F in Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially those at Safran. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Safran's projects and values. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for innovation and teamwork!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with EMA systems. We want to see how you tackle challenges and lead teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website, even if you don’t tick every box. We value diverse experiences and skills, so show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Chief Engineer M/F in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Programme Chief Engineer role. Highlight your experience in EMA systems and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about aerospace and how your background makes you a great fit for Safran. Don’t forget to mention any leadership experiences that showcase your ability to drive teams forward.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in areas like motor drives and control systems. We love candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and problem-solving abilities, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran companies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Electro-Mechanical Actuation systems and related technologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with motor drives, power electronics, and control systems. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role but also genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Programme Chief Engineer, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led projects or teams, especially in ambiguous situations. Highlight how you resolved technical challenges and made informed decisions under pressure.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key, especially when dealing with senior leadership and customers. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence and build relationships during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to project management and technical decision-making. Prepare to discuss how you would handle conflicts within a team or manage customer expectations. This will help showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience.
