Architect in Cwmbran

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025.

With more than one million seats installed across the fleets of the world's leading airlines, Safran Seats is one of the global leaders in passenger, crew, aircraft and helicopter seating, delivering innovative, high value-added solutions.

Are you interested in working at the business end of Aerospace, where airline brand meets innovative passenger experience? Then your next opportunity could be with Safran Seats, an industry award winning, premium designer and manufacturer of First and Business Class seating and technology. Our passenger experience prides itself on innovation, customization, quality and industrial design.

In the UK, Safran Seats specialises solely in the First Class and Business Class seating markets for wide body aircraft, with industrial and engineering teams in Cwmbran and Newport, Wales and Brackley, England.

Job Summary: To develop concept design solutions through to production ready equipment for introduction to the associated Product Lines. To support the development of the future product architectures that are meeting the market requirements and to place Safran Seats at the forefront of the market.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• To aid in the development of new product designs and to define product structure.
• To manage the conceptual development and maturity of product modules in Smarteam.
• To lead the design effort for packages of work or small programmes and to develop and manage packages of work within the team.
• To maintain the engineering quality and integrity of the work produced within their work package.
• Responsible for the design and detail modelling of a variety of suite components in order to meet the Product Line requirements.
• Cost and weight target definition and consolidation, whilst seeking opportunities for improvement.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with customers and suppliers, both internally and externally, and to manage data transfer.
• Organise and participate in Design Reviews throughout each phase of the Product Line development process.
• Ensure that all necessary follow up actions are taken.
• The selection and application of materials and processes appropriate to each concept design element and to provide assistance to other team members.
• Ensure the successful integration of each design element with the product as a whole.
• Follow and contribute to the development of the Best Practice guidelines as laid out in BMS and DEV documentation.
• Generate and/or revise specifications and derive associated requirements.
• Deliver the Technical elements in support of Bid Campaigns through to award, providing a strong foundation for future projects.
• Co-ordinate styling development and stakeholder alignment.
• Generation of change requests to deliver product improvements.

Benefits:

• 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 (enhanced maternity and paternity leave) and employee assistance programme.
• Annual share save schemes.
• Option for hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.
• Benefit from support through Safran University and our internal Training and Development Schools.
• Get involved in our corporate social responsibility activities from sustainability initiatives, charity and fundraising, volunteering days, or supporting STEM activities at local schools and colleges nurturing the next generation of talent.

Candidate skills & requirements:

• Qualified to a minimum of a degree in a Mechanical Engineering field.
• Alternatively, a HNC/HND or an equivalent qualification in a Mechanical Engineering field, with a demonstrated knowledge / experience in managing design teams responsible for developing design concepts into a fully developed engineered product.
• Understanding of Boeing and Airbus specifications for equipment installation and certification.
• Experienced user of CATIA V5.
• Strong knowledge of design for manufacture processes.
• Knowledge of Smarteam.
• A proven track record of effective design and on time / cost delivery of projects.

We want Safran Seats to be a workplace where everyone feels valued, can be themselves and know they can reach their full potential. We embrace and celebrate our differences through various initiatives and support colleagues through a number of staff networks. We are committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We want to attract the best applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups because we strongly believe in adding value through diversity, inclusion.

As part of our commitment with Disability Confident Employers, we may offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. We strive to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment. Let us know if you need support to showcase your talents or require any reasonable adjustments with your application.

Position location: Europe, UK, Wales City (-ies) Llantarnam Industrial Park NP44 3HQ Cwmbran