At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative seat component designs from concept to manufacture while mentoring a team.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, private medical cover, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace by solving complex engineering challenges.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering and experience with CATIA V5 required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we’d love you to be a part of it. 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.
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.
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.
- Get involved in our corporate social responsibility activities.
What you’ll bring:
Knowledge, Experience, Training and Qualifications 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 of Mechanical Design engineers.
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.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Cwmbran employer: Safran UK
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Cwmbran, you'll benefit from extensive training and development opportunities, a generous holiday allowance, and a comprehensive benefits package, all while contributing to cutting-edge aerospace solutions that make the world safer and more sustainable. Join us and be part of a global team dedicated to excellence and meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Cwmbran
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Safran UK.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Safran UK love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Safran UK and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Cwmbran
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Safran UK and the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran UK
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Safran UK.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Safran UK.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Safran UK, making you a more appealing candidate.
