At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative colour, materials, and finishes for aircraft seats.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, private medical cover, and an industry-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of aviation design.
- Qualifications: Degree in CMF or Industrial Design and experience in commercial CMF required.
The predicted salary is between 46380 - 56686 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace, 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.
As a CMF Designer (Colour, Materials & Finish) based in Cwmbran, South Wales, you will be central to defining the material harmony of our first class and business class aircraft seats, blending colour, finish and material choices while meeting aviation constraints. You'll collaborate closely with Industrial Designers from concept through production, and play a pivotal role at tradeshows and customer presentations.
Your Role:
- Stay on top of trim and finish trends in aviation and other industries (automobile, furniture, hospitality).
- Design and execute trend, mood and inspiration boards.
- Work alongside Industrial Designers to apply the right materials to each seat, balancing functionality and aesthetics.
- Prepare application documents for show seats and sales bids.
- Ensure guidelines are applied to prototypes and production lines.
- Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to validate design feasibility.
- Create innovative upholstery designs, modelling seat cushions to reflect trim choices.
- Generate high-quality renderings to test and validate design options.
- Develop, maintain, and deploy digital and sample material libraries.
- Lead customer-facing workshops within the CMF library.
- Cultivate supplier relationships to feed the material library.
Candidate skills & requirements:
- Qualifications in CMF Design or Industrial Design (Essential)
- Relevant experience in commercial CMF (Essential)
- Strong feel for colours and finishes (Essential)
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop) (Essential)
- Experience with MS Office Suite (PowerPoint) (Desired)
- 3D Rendering (Blender) (Desired)
- 3D soft modelling (Rhino 7 / Sub D) (Nice to have)
- Sketching, prototyping, understanding manufacturing processes and materials (Nice to have)
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.
CMF Designer in Cwmbran employer: Safran Group
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a CMF Designer in Cwmbran, you'll enjoy a wealth of benefits including 33 days of holiday, an industry-leading pension scheme, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within a global leader in aerospace and defence. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity and empowers you to shape a sustainable future while pursuing your ambitions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CMF Designer in Cwmbran
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran Group for a CMF Designer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace CMF Designer in Cwmbran
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran Group, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran Group, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran Group
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran Group.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran Group. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran Group love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
