At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative aerospace design projects and ensure product safety and performance.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovation and sustainability in aerospace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and significant engineering experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
We are looking for passionate individuals to join our Aftermarket Design Engineering team as a Principal Design Engineer] at our Wolverhampton site.
Your Role
You will be responsible for providing technical leadership and engineering support across the full lifecycle of aerospace products in service.
Acting as a recognised technical authority, you will lead complex engineering work packages, support operational fleets, and drive engineering solutions that maintain product safety, reliability, performance, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Engineering Design & Product Support
- Lead the development and implementation of design solutions supporting aftermarket, in-service, and through-life support activities.
- Produce and approve detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and associated design definitions.
- Configuration & Product Data Management
- Manage product configuration throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring compliance with configuration control processes.
- Create, maintain, and approve Bills of Materials (BOMs), parts lists, and product structures.
- Engineering Governance & Airworthiness
- Review, author, and approve engineering documentation in accordance with delegated authority and signatory privileges.
- Support concession activities, design deviations, and non-conformance assessments.
- Work Package & Project Leadership
- Lead and manage engineering work packages from initiation through to delivery.
- Define technical scope, schedules, resource requirements, risks, and deliverables.
- But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.)
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Significant engineering experience, ideally from aerospace within aftermarket, product support, in-service engineering, or sustaining engineering environments.
- Proven experience in CAD modelling and engineering drawing production.
- Strong understanding of configuration management, BOM management, and product lifecycle management processes.
- Experience managing Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), concessions, design deviations, and non-conformances.
- Demonstrated experience leading technical investigations and root cause analysis activities.
- Experience chairing or participating in formal design reviews.
- Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing experience.
- Experience leading technical work packages and multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable Experience
- Knowledge of aerospace regulatory and airworthiness requirements.
- Delegated design signatory approval authority.
- Familiarity with aerospace standards including AS9100 and configuration management requirements.
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.
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 was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.
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.
Safran - Here, we craft excellence together.
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.
About Safran Actuation Systems UK
Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world-class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight-control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms.
With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.
Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector.
Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
As part of Safran's global network, joining Safran Actuation Systems UK means becoming part of a highly skilled, collaborative and forward-thinking team with opportunities to grow, innovate and make a meaningful impact in the future of aerospace.
Why 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. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.
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:
- Competitive salary and annual bonus and pay review
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Comprehensive health cash plan
- Flexible working options
- Pension (10% employer contribution) and life assurance
- Early finish on Fridays
- Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
- Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
- Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Design Engineer in Wolverhampton employer: Safran
At Safran Actuation Systems UK in Banbury, we prioritise our employees' well-being with a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a family-friendly work culture. Our commitment to professional development, coupled with a collaborative environment, empowers you to innovate and grow within the aerospace sector, making a meaningful impact on cutting-edge technologies. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values excellence and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Wolverhampton
✨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 Principal Design 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 Principal Design Engineer in Wolverhampton
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.
