At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative seat component designs from concept to manufacture, mentoring a team of engineers.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, private medical cover, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team focused on innovation and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering and experience with CATIA V5 and PLM systems.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
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 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.
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 (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. 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.
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 celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. 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. Your ambitions can take us further.
- Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
- A culture of excellence: join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Get involved: We also have a number of groups and forums across our sites that you can get involved with, including Women at Safran, Diversity at Safran, Sports Clubs, STEM ambassador, Employee Forum, Charity Partnerships and Wellbeing Programs.
What you'll bring:
- 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.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Safran UK
Contact Detail:
Safran UK Recruiting Team
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 defence industry, especially those who work at Safran. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Safran's latest projects and innovations. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission to make air transport more sustainable.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your design process. They’ll want to see how you tackle complex engineering challenges, so have some examples up your sleeve!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Safran team.
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, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had in previous jobs.
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 skills align with Safran's mission. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of complex engineering challenges you've tackled. We want to see how you approach problems and come up with innovative solutions that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Safran team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design principles and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like CATIA V5 and PLM systems. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role at Safran.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll be guiding a team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored others or led projects in the past. Highlight your ability to manage tasks and deliverables effectively.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Safran is all about innovation and sustainability in aerospace. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that test your problem-solving skills. Practice explaining your design process and how you ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. Being able to articulate your thought process is key!