At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical delivery of cutting-edge Electro-Mechanical Actuation systems in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in high-tech aerospace and defence solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with mentoring opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a sustainable world while crafting excellence with a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in Electro-Mechanical Actuation and strong systems engineering knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
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. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.
The Senior Principal Engineer will act as the technical authority for the Electro-Mechanical Actuation (EMA) product line within the Global Defence Systems value stream. Working closely with the IPT Lead, you will provide technical leadership across the programme, ensuring customer requirements are met, technical risks are managed, and engineering solutions are delivered throughout the product lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the technical delivery of EMA systems, ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, safety and quality requirements.
- Own system architecture and technical governance across the full lifecycle, from proposal and definition through to verification, manufacture and sustainment.
- Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams, driving timely decision-making and effective problem solving.
- Act as the primary technical interface for customers, suppliers and key stakeholders, leading technical reviews, discussions and negotiations.
- Collaborate with the IPT Lead to define programme plans, milestones and qualification activities, including PDR, CDR and certification reviews.
- Ensure robust requirements, configuration and product safety management, including the use of tools such as DOORS.
- Support Operations, Quality and Supply Chain teams with investigations, continuous improvement and sustainment activities.
- Review supplier designs and key systems engineering deliverables.
- Mentor and develop engineers whilst promoting a collaborative, innovative and technically rigorous engineering culture.
What You'll Bring:
- Experience working with Electro-Mechanical Actuation (EMA), control systems, power electronics or related safety-critical products.
- Aerospace or defence experience preferred.
- Strong systems engineering knowledge across mechanical, electrical and software disciplines.
- Experience leading complex engineering projects and multidisciplinary teams.
- Confidence making technical decisions and solving challenging engineering problems.
- Strong customer and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships.
- Experience with requirements management, verification and product qualification activities.
- A collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and a passion for technical excellence.
We're Hiring: Senior Principal Engineer in Dudley employer: Safran
At Safran Actuation Systems UK, we prioritise our employees' well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working options in a family-friendly environment. Our commitment to innovation and excellence is matched by our supportive work culture, where ongoing training and mentorship empower you to thrive in your career. Join us in Wolverhampton, where you can make a meaningful impact in the aerospace sector while enjoying onsite amenities and a collaborative team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land We're Hiring: Senior Principal Engineer in Dudley
✨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 for a We're Hiring: Senior Principal Engineer. 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 We're Hiring: Senior Principal Engineer in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran, 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, 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
✨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.
✨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. 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 love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.